Two of my favorites authors writing a book? Say less. Queerleaders is a book that I’ve been looking forward to. “Bring it On” was such a pivotal moment for me and this gave me EVERYTHING and more. Keep reading this book review of Queerleaders for my full thoughts.
Summary
Oak Haven High doesn’t have cheerleaders—it has queerleaders.
It’s a fun coincidence that every new varsity cheerleader since Davie Cathee took the squad by storm three years ago is—or soon comes out as—queer.
But when a rumor sparks that this season, newly minted captain Davie has been specifically recruiting queer members only, Davie is accused of “discrimination” against straight students. She’s given an ultimatum: recruit a straight athlete for the team or the funding for their competitive cheer season will take a major tumble.
Enter Kendall Hayes, the edgy, mysterious new girl. When Davie sees that Kendall has a boyfriend, she quickly convinces her to join the squad. Problem solved.
Until she finds out that Kendall’s actually bisexual…and newly single.
Now Kendall and Davie are faced with having to keep those details under wraps until nationals, which only gets more complicated when they start falling hard and fast for each other. Can Kendall go back in the closet long enough to save the squad? Or will Davie find the courage to love her new crush out loud, even if it might mean the end of the queerleaders?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Queerleaders is a book I didn’t know I needed till I saw it. It’s the ultimate mash up of “Bring it On” with dual POVs and cheerleading. I immediately loved the vibes, every side character of the squad, and was invested completely. It was so easy to fall in love, to see the family and their complexities, and their vulnerabilities. Both Davie and Kendall are so open, so raw in their narrative voices that we instantly see Davie’s desire to be a leader, but hates to be the bad guy. Or Kendall’s attempts to fit in to this new school, to find her place, and fix things with her sister. I ended up reading this in a few days I was so obsessed!
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Queerleaders is about leaning into our support systems. About realizing we need the foundation of the pyramid to reach the sky. That it’s okay to ask others for help. But also that our actions have these ripple effects we can’t ignore. Queerleaders is perfect for summer and now I need to re-watch “Bring it On”. Find Queerleaders on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.