Getting Even

Name: Getting Even
ISBN: 9780590334037

by Christopher Pike

The Tarenton Cheerleading Squad faces challenges from jealous rivals, budding romances, and a looming state competition. Mary Ellen battles an enemy trying to ruin her, while Nancy navigates new love.

About This Book

This early young adult novel by Christopher Pike delves into the high-stakes world of competitive cheerleading and teenage social dynamics. It follows six squad members, including Mary Ellen and Nancy, as they grapple with internal and external pressures. Themes of friendship, loyalty, jealousy, and reputation are explored through the lens of school life, new relationships, and a mysterious antagonist. Pike's signature clear writing style effectively captures the angst, love, and heartbreak of adolescence, making it a relatable read for teens navigating similar social challenges. It is suitable for ages 12-18.

Mary Ellen, Nancy, Walt, Olivia, Pres, and Angie have made the Tarenton Cheerleading Squad -- now they have to stay together. Jealous rivals and new romances threaten to break their team spirit. They are pressured by the upcoming state competition and the Homecoming Queen election. Mary Ellen contends with an enemy who's out to ruin her reputation; Nancy, with the trials of a new love. Can they possibly stick together? Early work of Young Adult horror and mystery writer Christopher Pike. While this novel is quite different from his usual suspense and horror masterpieces, fans will quickly recognize the clear and concise writing style of the beloved author by his wonderful ability to accurately portray teenage angst, love, and heartbreak.

Concepts

Jealousy & Comparison Friendship & Loyalty Self-Confidence & Identity Resilience & Perseverance Love & Family Anger & Frustration Justice & Fairness Loneliness & Belonging Making Friends Peer Pressure Growing Up School Life Friendship & Social

Heads up, parents

bullying

peril_danger

Romantic Content

Discussion Prompts

How do the cheerleaders try to 'get even' with their rivals or the person trying to ruin Mary Ellen's reputation? Were their methods effective or fair?

What role does friendship play in helping the characters overcome their challenges? How do they support each other?

How do the pressures of the state competition and the Homecoming Queen election affect the characters' relationships and individual choices?

Discuss the concept of reputation in high school. How important is it, and how do characters try to protect or rebuild theirs?

What lessons do the characters learn about loyalty, jealousy, and forgiveness throughout the story?

External Reviews

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