Squad Goals
Magic in the City Series
on Goodreads (114)
What’s inside...
Erika J. Kendrick's book Cookie Monsters follows Magic Olive Poindexter as she embarks on a journey to become a cheerleader at Valentine Middle School's HoneyBee cheer squad, following the footsteps of her accomplished family. Despite facing challenges such as lack of athletic ability and dealing with mean girls at the cheer camp, Planet Pom Poms, Magic gains confidence with the support of a new group of friends and her grandmother's vintage pom poms. The story highlights the importance of friendship, embracing one's unique qualities, and perseverance.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Magic Olive Poindexter
Ebony
Discussion points
What do you think made Magic Olive feel like she didn't fit in with her gymnastics squad initially?
How do you think teamwork helped the Sparklers succeed in their goals?
What qualities do you admire most in Olive and her friends, and why?
How can we apply the lessons of perseverance and friendship from the book to our daily lives?
What does the phrase 'squad goals' mean to you after reading this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes of teamwork and belonging to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' experiences, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Link discussions to real-life situations, asking your child how they might handle similar challenges faced by the characters.
Praise your child's insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Keep the conversation light and enjoyable, letting it naturally evolve from the topics discussed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Squad Goals', the characters learn to work together to achieve their cheerleading goals, highlighting the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate and support their peers to achieve common objectives.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story showcases a diverse group of characters who learn to appreciate each other's unique qualities. This promotes the acceptance of different perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and inclusive in their interactions with others, irrespective of cultural or personal differences, fostering a more harmonious school environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter setbacks in their cheerleading endeavors, yet they persist and overcome these challenges. This teaches the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember these examples when they face their own challenges, whether in academics or personal pursuits, understanding that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Positive Self-Expression
Explanation: The characters in 'Squad Goals' express themselves through cheerleading, which bolsters their self-confidence and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and engage in activities that they are passionate about, which is crucial for emotional and creative development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights forming strong friendships among the squad members, showing how these relationships provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, which plays an essential role in emotional support and social development throughout their lives.