Squad

By: Mariah MacCarthy

Narrated by: Mariah MacCarthy

A Barnes & Noble Teen Blog's most anticipated LGBTQAP YA book of 2019.

Jenna Watson is a cheerleader, and she wants you to know it’s not some Hollywood crap: They are not every guy’s fantasy. They are not the “mean girls” of Marsen High School. They’re literally just human females trying to live their lives and do a perfect toe touch. And their team is at the top of their game. They’re a family.

But all that changes when Jenna’s best friend stops talking to her. Suddenly, she’s not getting invited out with the rest of the squad. She’s always a step behind, and she has no idea why.

While grappling with post-cheer life, Jenna explores things she never allowed herself to like, including LARPing (live action role playing) and a relationship with a trans guy that feels a lot like love.

When Jenna loses the sport and the friends she’s always loved, she has to ask herself: What else is left?

©2019 Mariah MacCarthy (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Loved it!

Completely loved this fun YA book—completely reminds me of all those feelings of high school. A page turner—was completely invested from the start.

Super real and beautiful story and writing

I adore this book. Was the edge of my seat the whole time! The narration by the author is super charming and easy to listen to. And I found the trans issues to be handled with deep sensitivity and care.

Cheerleading and cheerleaders

This story is about a cheerleader who feels left behind by her best friend. She then freaks out and pretty much burns her world down. The rest of the book is about her trying to put her life back together. The best part of the book was the MC's boyfriend (for one date). I think the book would have been much better if he had a greater role in the story.