Squad Girls
Squad Girls follows four besties as they navigate their dream of playing sport and athletics professionally. Tara, Ríona, Sam and Penny each are passionate and driven about different pursuits, from swimming to dance, and they must face obstacles in putting in the dedication needed alongside school and other commitments.
The main theme in this book is an important one: that girls in sports should be supported and celebrated and above all that visibility and representation is key. The book also champions inclusion and accessibility in sport as Penny grapples with a disability diagnosis. These themes are driven by a third theme of friendship. All elements are explored just the right amount for the intended audience and with a delightfully positive attitude with no need for competition between the friends beyond playful banter.
In terms of characterisation, there are no sporty girl stereotypes here – the girls are portrayed as complex and their drive and skill is described authentically. The gorgeous illustrations give the characters each a unique look and feel, with facial expressions that make the story come alive. Sometimes the characters appear older than their years in terms of maturity and manners particularly in their relationships with their parents, but overall, the Squad Girls are great role models for the young girls and boys who will read these books.
This reader is looking forward to more in the upcoming sequel!
