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Squad Goals
Mackenzie Miller has big goals
For instance, conquering 7th grade -- with projects. There’s the Mom Project (finding her a boyfriend -- even if she says she’s not interested), the Friend Project (win back the BFFs who dumped her and make a new friend), and the Band Project (so what if she’s never planned a fundraiser? How hard can it be?).
But finding real-life romance is a lot more complicated than her mom’s favorite movies make it look. And last year’s friends still won’t tell Mackenzie what she did wrong. And the fundraiser? It has to be beyond impressive, since Mackenzie sort of accidentally promised a live band so amazing it will “make everyone poop their pants.”
The harder Mackenzie works to craft the perfect school year, the more she feels like she’s failing. She can do it all, can’t she? Or do her big goals require something more -- like a little help from her friends?
For instance, conquering 7th grade -- with projects. There’s the Mom Project (finding her a boyfriend -- even if she says she’s not interested), the Friend Project (win back the BFFs who dumped her and make a new friend), and the Band Project (so what if she’s never planned a fundraiser? How hard can it be?).
But finding real-life romance is a lot more complicated than her mom’s favorite movies make it look. And last year’s friends still won’t tell Mackenzie what she did wrong. And the fundraiser? It has to be beyond impressive, since Mackenzie sort of accidentally promised a live band so amazing it will “make everyone poop their pants.”
The harder Mackenzie works to craft the perfect school year, the more she feels like she’s failing. She can do it all, can’t she? Or do her big goals require something more -- like a little help from her friends?
- GenresMiddle Grade
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
8 people are currently reading
1872 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Papademetriou
92 books429 followersBestselling author Lisa Papademetriou is the author of the 'Confectionately Yours' series, 'Middle School: Big, Fat Liar' and 'Homeroom Diaries' (both with James Patterson), and many other novels for middle grade and young adult readers. Her books have appeared on the Bank Street Best Books of the Year list, the NYPL Books for the Teen Age, and the Texas Lone Star Reading List, among others. A former editor, Lisa has worked for Scholastic, HarperCollins, and DisneyPress, and holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. HarperCollins will publish her next novel, 'A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic', in October 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 13, 2023
Squad Goals (Hearts & Crafts #1) is a relatable, enjoyable middle grade book about crafting, friendships, and letting others help you. With a cast of lovable characters, a protagonist with divorced parents, and a fundraiser at the center of its plot, this story will appeal to tween girls (and boys) dealing with similar issues to Mackenzie’s. I really enjoyed this one and can see the series quickly becoming a hit.
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/squad-...
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/squad-...
October 26, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Mackenzie and her mother have moved into a new duplex, where they have a little more room for her mother's quilting hobby. (Or, as Mackenzie points out, her mother's fabric buying hobby!) The first day there, Mackenzie tries to heat up dinner, but hits the "auto clean" button on the stove and incinerates it. New neighbor Zane helps out, and Mackenzie tries to fix him up with her mother... and tries to draw the interest of the firemen as well! Her father lives far away with his new wife and son, and Mackenzie wants her mother to have someone in her life as well. At school, things are a bit fraught with former friends Avril and Johanna, and when Avril decides she doesn't want to talk to Mackenzie, she loses Johanna as well. Undaunted, Mackenzie revs up her projects, which include a fundraiser to raised money for new band instruments. She manages to get things started, but doesn't have as many skills as she needs to really get things rolling. She finally has to ask new friend Sheera (who is Zane's neice) for help, and manages to pull off a successful event.
Strengths: Like Tara Dairman's All Four Stars, this starts with a small kitchen fire. Great lesson in safety, AND a great way to draw readers into the story. The description of Mackenzie's home, the way she and her mom get along, and how this affects her attitude and performance at school was just wonderful. I don't understand the need to kill off middle grade parents in order to allow characters to have adventures-- get the parents involved just a tiny bit! Tweens still basically like their parents, but are just starting to have problems dealing with them, and there's a lot of dramatic tension possibilities! The friend drama is perfect, and I loved that Mackenzie is able to make some new friends without too many problems. Her fundraiser draws from reality (are their arts programs that AREN'T underfunded?), and I loved her can-do attitude. The cover is great, and if this is a four book series I will be very happy!
Weaknesses: The E ARC kept freezing, which was very frustrating and lead to a poorer than usual grasp of details and names.
What I really think: Has it really been ten years since Confectionately Yours? Right now, this is exactly the kind of book that students are asking for. I would LOVE to see a similar series with boys as the main characters. Kids in chess club? Robotics club? There are so many possibilities!
Mackenzie and her mother have moved into a new duplex, where they have a little more room for her mother's quilting hobby. (Or, as Mackenzie points out, her mother's fabric buying hobby!) The first day there, Mackenzie tries to heat up dinner, but hits the "auto clean" button on the stove and incinerates it. New neighbor Zane helps out, and Mackenzie tries to fix him up with her mother... and tries to draw the interest of the firemen as well! Her father lives far away with his new wife and son, and Mackenzie wants her mother to have someone in her life as well. At school, things are a bit fraught with former friends Avril and Johanna, and when Avril decides she doesn't want to talk to Mackenzie, she loses Johanna as well. Undaunted, Mackenzie revs up her projects, which include a fundraiser to raised money for new band instruments. She manages to get things started, but doesn't have as many skills as she needs to really get things rolling. She finally has to ask new friend Sheera (who is Zane's neice) for help, and manages to pull off a successful event.
Strengths: Like Tara Dairman's All Four Stars, this starts with a small kitchen fire. Great lesson in safety, AND a great way to draw readers into the story. The description of Mackenzie's home, the way she and her mom get along, and how this affects her attitude and performance at school was just wonderful. I don't understand the need to kill off middle grade parents in order to allow characters to have adventures-- get the parents involved just a tiny bit! Tweens still basically like their parents, but are just starting to have problems dealing with them, and there's a lot of dramatic tension possibilities! The friend drama is perfect, and I loved that Mackenzie is able to make some new friends without too many problems. Her fundraiser draws from reality (are their arts programs that AREN'T underfunded?), and I loved her can-do attitude. The cover is great, and if this is a four book series I will be very happy!
Weaknesses: The E ARC kept freezing, which was very frustrating and lead to a poorer than usual grasp of details and names.
What I really think: Has it really been ten years since Confectionately Yours? Right now, this is exactly the kind of book that students are asking for. I would LOVE to see a similar series with boys as the main characters. Kids in chess club? Robotics club? There are so many possibilities!
February 19, 2022
Such a fun book!
This book has some great laughs out loud moments right from the beginning. (Self cleaning oven + rotisserie chicken = funnier than expected). Mackenzie's voice is fantastic. She is funny and completely relatable. Her need to be involved and fix everything escalates but in a believable, non-angsty way and the story resolves itself nicely and effortlessly.
This book has some great laughs out loud moments right from the beginning. (Self cleaning oven + rotisserie chicken = funnier than expected). Mackenzie's voice is fantastic. She is funny and completely relatable. Her need to be involved and fix everything escalates but in a believable, non-angsty way and the story resolves itself nicely and effortlessly.
January 23, 2025
Mack is so creative but unsure of herself, and her struggles with friendships and family feel real. I loved how crafting helped her figure things out and express her emotions. I Love it
Some parts dragged a bit, especially with all the project details, but the story had a lot of heart. It’s a great read if you like stories about friendship and finding yourself. This book is so cool!!
Some parts dragged a bit, especially with all the project details, but the story had a lot of heart. It’s a great read if you like stories about friendship and finding yourself. This book is so cool!!
February 28, 2022
A funny and authentic book about middle school friendship.
This books is perfect for readers who love music, crafting or are struggling with friends who've drifted away unexplained.
* I received an advanced copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. *
This books is perfect for readers who love music, crafting or are struggling with friends who've drifted away unexplained.
* I received an advanced copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. *
March 10, 2022
I loved this book! It’s a delightful story full of heart, and of course, crafts, too. What a fun read, and so beautifully written! Looking so forward to the next two books in this terrific middle grade series.
May 14, 2022
Squad Goals is a great read that teens will love (think middle school). There is school drama, romance drama and friends who save the day. It is a quick read - can be done in a day. A great book to read while enjoying a lazy summer day.
December 14, 2023
Lots of good messages and lessons in here and it is relatable and fun to read
January 22, 2024
Read for a book review my 10yo was doing so I could accurately grade her work. It was really cute.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews