A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling with jealousy or feeling threatened by a new person in their friend group. It's for the child who feels their social standing is suddenly unstable and doesn't know how to handle the complex emotions of comparison and competition. Taking Over Cheerleaders follows Bambi, a high school cheerleader whose world is turned upside down when a talented new girl, Dallas, joins the squad and immediately captures everyone's attention. The story dives deep into the emotional turmoil of feeling replaced, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, identity, and the intense pressure to belong. This book is a great choice for teens aged 12 to 16 as it normalizes these difficult feelings and opens a door for conversations about self-worth beyond social status.
The protagonist acts on her jealousy in ways she later regrets.
Romantic ContentMild
Mentions of crushes and dating, but not a central theme.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses themes of jealousy, social exclusion, and peer pressure in a secular, realistic high school setting. The conflict is primarily emotional. The resolution is hopeful, with the protagonist learning valuable lessons about self-worth, sportsmanship, and the nature of true friendship. It doesn't shy away from the ugliness of envy but frames it as a challenge to be overcome.
Ideal Reader
A 13 to 15-year-old who is experiencing intense social competition for the first time. This reader feels insecure in their friend group, is struggling with jealousy toward a peer who seems to have it all, and is questioning their own value and talents. They might be involved in a competitive extracurricular activity like sports, drama, or dance.
Parent Prep
No specific pages require previewing, but parents should be aware this is a product of the 1980s. The language, technology (or lack thereof), and social dynamics might feel dated. A parent can read it cold but might want to be prepared to discuss how these themes of jealousy and friendship play out differently with today's social media pressures. A parent overhears their teen saying, "No one cares about me now that she's here," or, "Why is everything so easy for her?" The parent has noticed their child becoming more withdrawn, anxious, or obsessively comparing themselves to a specific peer on social media or in person.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely focus on the plot, the drama of the rivalry, and who is being a "good" or "bad" friend. An older teen (14-16) is more equipped to connect with Bambi's internal monologue, understanding the nuances of her insecurity and recognizing the story's deeper themes of identity and self-acceptance apart from group validation.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many contemporary YA books that feature an outsider's perspective, this story is told from the inside of the popular clique. It humanizes the "popular girl" and validates her insecurities. Its 1980s setting provides a look at these timeless high school conflicts without the complicating layer of social media, allowing the focus to remain squarely on face-to-face interactions and internal emotional struggles.
Read plot summary
Bambi is a popular and dedicated member of the high school cheerleading squad. Her secure social world is rocked by the arrival of Dallas, a skilled and charismatic new student who immediately makes a splash and earns a spot on the team. Bambi's jealousy and insecurity spiral as Dallas's talent threatens her position and her friendships, particularly with her best friend, Pres. The plot centers on the rivalry between Bambi and Dallas, the shifting allegiances within the squad, and Bambi's internal struggle to overcome her envy and find her own confidence.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When Bambi feels threatened by Dallas, she starts acting in ways that are not true to herself. Have you ever felt jealousy make you act like a different person? How did Bambi's actions affect her friendship with Pres?
2
Do you think the cheerleading coach handled the competition between Bambi and Dallas fairly? What could an adult have done to help the situation?
3
Bambi's identity is very tied to being a top cheerleader. By the end of the book, what does she learn about her own self-worth, outside of her position on the squad?
4
Dallas isn't portrayed as a simple villain. What were her motivations? Did you feel any sympathy for her character?
5
Compare the friendships in the book. What makes the bond between Bambi and Pres different from the other relationships on the cheerleading squad?
