About the Book Twelve-year-old Magic Pointdexter comes from a long line of cheerleaders, but to follow in their footsteps, Magic must survive summer camp Planet Pom Poms, audition for a spot on the HoneyBee cheer squad, and steer clear of swoon-worthy Dallas Chase. Book Synopsis Camp is in session in this cheer-tastic middle-grade novel about making new friends, finding your place, and learning to embrace your inner Magic. Magic Olive Poindexter has big shoes to fill. Her mother was a professional cheerleader, her father is a retired NBA legend, her big sister is the new face of the oh-so-glamorous Laker Girls, and her grandmother was the first black cheerleader ever on Valentine Middle Schools HoneyBee cheer squad. Magic wants nothing more than to follow in their footsteps. But first, she has to survive Planet Pom Poms, the summer cheer camp where shell audition for a spot on the HoneyBee squad. But with zero athletic ability and a group of mean girls who have her number, Tragic Magic is a long way from becoming the toe-touching cheerleader heroine she dreams of being. Things start to look up when her best friend Cappie joins her at camp--until Cappie gets bitten by the popularity bug, that is. To make matters worse, Magics crushing hard on football star Dallas Chase. Luckily, Magics not alone: with the help of a new crew of fabulous fellow misfits and her Grammy Maes vintage pom poms by her side, Tragic Magic might just survive--and even thrive--at cheer camp. Review Quotes Praise for Squad Goals : Magic is such a lovable, kind, sweet character...If you love coming of age [and] girl power you should read this book! -- Jens Book Den Squad Goals really is a charming, cute read that reminded me a lot of the kind of books the Disney Channel Original Movies are adapted from. Theres a plucky, awkward heroine, embarrassing but loving parents and older sister, a from-diapers type of friendship with best friend Capricorn, and the main characters dream to step into her familys legacy... I couldnt help rooting for [Magic] and the rest of the friends she made at the summer cheerleading camp. -- My Black Bookish Life This is one of the best middle grade books I have enjoyed in a long time. It was so funny and sweet. I could not put it down once I started. Magic is a such a fun protagonist. -- Storme Reads a Lot About The Author Erika J. Kendrick is a national speaker, mental health advocate, and former NBA cheerleader. She is a Stanford University graduate with an MBA in marketing and international business from the University of Illinois. Squad Goals is her first middle-grade novel.