Queerleaders
2021 ALA Rainbow List Title
Nominated for Golden Crown Literary Society’s
2021 Goldie Awards in
“Debut Novel” and “Young Adult” categories.
“Mack snuck a look over her shoulder at the cheerleaders just as Veronica took her place at the top of the pyramid. Time seemed to slow as Veronica swung her long, blond ponytail over her shoulder, pompoms high in the air . . .”
Mackenzie is used to being different from other kids--and to being bullied for not fitting into the rigid social expectations of her Catholic high school. Luckily, Mack's best friend Lila has her back so school isn't the total hell it could be. But it's pretty damn close.
Until something very mysterious happens--Mack becomes a cheerleader magnet. Even she has a hard time believing it. And Lila is not too happy about her friend's sudden popularity with the cool kids.
Is Mack being set up for an epic fail? Or is she finally headed for acceptance-and maybe even romance...
art by Natchos
Reviews
“This is a fun, easy and entirely charming read. Guel manages to create a story that is captivating, relatable and reminiscent of the movies in which the underdog wins.I cannot believe that this is a debut novel, it’s just so good.”
- Sheena Lemos Ebersohn, The Lesbian Review
“It felt fresh and funny, but also grounded — I cared about the outcome and I flinched whenever a character was hurt. There’s a moment when Mack’s mom has a conversation with Mack that I had had with my own daughter THE PREVIOUS DAY. So even though the actual situation (kiss all the cheerleaders) is contrived, the actual issues (friendship versus romantic love versus physical attraction, coming out, being outed, bullying) felt real, and romance truly sweet.”
“This is a wonderful, heartwarming story about finding acceptance and love. It’s the gay high school movie we should’ve had. Our queer ‘Pretty in Pink.’”
-Jane, Amazon Review