Cheer Up!: Love and Pompoms

Reach for this book when your teen is navigating the complex intersection of social belonging and personal identity, particularly if they are part of the LGBTQ+ community. This vibrant graphic novel follows Annie, a prickly social outcast, and Beatrice, a kindhearted trans girl, as they join their high school cheerleading squad. While it features sports and romance, the core of the story explores the courage required to be oneself in a public arena. It is a perfect choice for parents wanting to support a teen who feels pressure to perform a certain version of themselves to please others. The story emphasizes that true friends and teammates should celebrate your authentic self rather than just your utility to the group. It is emotionally resonant for ages 14 and up, offering a hopeful roadmap for building inclusive communities and finding first love.