Brunettes Strike Back

A sequel to I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader (Putnam, 2005). Annisa made her South Florida high school squad last year after moving from New Jersey. Now, the cheerleaders have the opportunity to attend the national competition. She still doesn't feel accepted by her teammates, and when they suggest they dye her hair to match theirs, she is upset. Her resistance to the idea only serves to make the other girls question her dedication. Additionally, she is interested in a boy whose ex-girlfriend is on the squad and who makes it clear that she doesn't like Annisa. Her relationship with him isn't really fleshed out, and his proclamation of waiting for her his entire life feels forced. Nationals are exciting, Annisa's squad takes first place, and everything works out in the end, including a first real kiss. Snappy dialogue and current references might make this formula book popular with the cheerleading set, but the subject matter, along with the propensity for using italics for effect, will leave other readers unimpressed.–Karen Hoth, Marathon Middle/High School, FL