What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this book in the Candy Apple
series has at least a little more substance than the title
implies. Geared for tweens, the plot focuses on social issues
that are prevalent to this age range: fitting in, feeling
awkward, first romantic attractions, relationships with
parents, and balancing school and social pressures. It's an
easy read, in fact probably manageable for most 8- and
9-year-olds. However, parents need to know that girls like boys
and wear makeup, characters play truth or dare at a party and
slow dance together, and the main character describes first
romantic encounters. They also have their own credit cards and
spend exorbitant amounts of money on clothes. There is no
racial or economic diversity amongst the characters.
Families who read this book can talk about the transformation of Sophie, from shy outsider to popular cheerleader. Would you have managed the popular crowd differently than Sophie? Why or why not? Do these characters seem realistic and are they reminiscent of real classmates? Also, these characters have a lot of independence from their families -- walking to malls, spending money, sleeping over at one another's houses on a regular basis. What responsibilities (homework, chores, jobs) are placed on these girls that limit their endless social activities? Parents of girls still waiting for their growth spurt can also point out that though Sophie is short, she is described as athletic, strong, and coordinated.
Common Sense Media Review
In middle school, social development is all about finding
out who you are while also tying to fit into your world. There
are try-outs or contests for athletic teams, academic clubs,
theater, social cliques, and even the dreaded cheerleading
tryouts as described in THE ACCIDENTAL CHEERLEADER.
Parents may wince at this title but really it's less about cheerleading and more about what happens when one seventh grade girl is accepted into the group and her best friend is not. The reader learns how the main character balances wanting to fit in, being true to herself, and facing up to powerful kids in the social network at school. One of the biggest errors in this book is the lack of diversity. Are these kids really any different?
Parents, don't be fooled by the easy-to-read text -- there are many passages about dreamy boys, spending money on clothes, and experimenting with makeup that make this book not totally inappropriate for younger readers, but a much better fit for kids facing similar issues, readers 11+.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
