Brunettes Strike Back

by Kieran Scott

Overview

Sequel to I Was A Non-Blonde Cheerleader from New York Times bestseller Kieran Scott!

New Jersey transplant and spunky brunette Annisa and her sand Dune High cheerleading squad are headed to nationals! Just when she thinks her blonde teammates have accepted her, some of the girls have suddenly made it their mission to convert Annisa to the blonde side. Annisa thinks her luck is finally changing when her old squad makes a surprise appearance at nationals, but soon it turns into a Jersey versus Florida turf battle. torn between two worlds, and two hair colors, can one non-blonde cheerleader make it through the sea of highlights and rock nationals her own way?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440684296
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	05/10/2007
Series:	Non-Blonde Cheerleader Series , #2
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
File size:	635 KB
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Kieran Scott is the author of several acclaimed young adult novels, including I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader, A Non-Blonde Cheerleader in Love, Brunettes Strike Back, and Geek Magnet. She lives with her husband and their son in New Jersey. Visit her online at www.kieranscott.net.

Editorial Reviews

PW called I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader "a breezy, upbeat celebration of the twin virtues of cheerleading and staying true to one's self." But can Annisa remain true to herself when her blonde-squad fellow cheerleaders try to convert her in Brunettes Strike Back by Kieran Scott? What's a brunette to do? Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Readers who enjoyed I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader will be excited to read more about Annisa's adventures. Although the story is predictable, teens will appreciate Annisa's determination and identify with her feeling of being torn between two groups. At times it feels as if Scott is trying to do too many things at once, writing sassy chick lit one paragraph and then jumping into meaningful narration about teens dealing with moving the next. Despite this technique, most readers will find an aspect of Annisa and her situation to which they can relate, and be able to take something away from the story. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P J S (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2006, G.P. Putnam's Sons, 308p., Ages 12 to 18.
—Kristen Moreland, Teen Reviewer

VOYA

Those who judge this book by its cover may be surprised when they read the story—it is more than just another entry in the teen "chick-lit" category. Annisa is a cheerleader and a new student at Sand Dune High whose all-blonde squad is preparing to compete at nationals. The characters are amusing and authentic, and the relationships between the girls ring true. Annisa struggles to maintain her identity as the lone brunette as she navigates the course of a new relationship. Her "maybe-boyfriend" Daniel is the ex-boyfriend of fellow cheerleader Sage, and the conflicts between the various team members add to the fun. When Annisa's former squad shows up at nationals, she's torn between her friends, new and old. In addition, will team captain Tara get her way and turn Annisa to the blonde side before the final competition? The pace of this well-written, lighthearted story will keep cheerleading fans and readers turning pages.

Children's Literature - Mary Loftus

Gr 8-10-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 Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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