Families who loved Squad Goals by Erika J. Kendrick often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of family expectations or feels like they are living in the shadow of a sibling or parent. It is a vibrant story about Magic Poindexter, a twelve-year-old girl who enters an elite cheerleading camp to maintain her family's prestigious legacy. Beyond the glitter and pom-poms, the book explores the pressure of performance and the courage required to define success on one's own terms. This is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who enjoy high-energy, contemporary stories with a focus on female friendship and social dynamics. Parents will appreciate the way it balances humor with genuine emotional stakes, modeling how to navigate competitive environments without losing one's integrity. It provides a mirror for children of color in sports and a window into the dedication required to master a craft.