Curiosity pulled him in. Carter shuffled closer, eyes wide, watching as the cheerleaders launched each other into the air like it was nothing. Then—bam—a flyer landed right in front of him. Not a person this time, but a piece of paper. Want to try cheer? Come try a free class.
That’s how Carter’s journey begins in Jumping into Cheer, the third book in the Little Cheer Library box set. This one is extra special to me because the protagonist is a young boy, which was really important for me to include in the series.
Why a Boy?
When I was writing this story, I thought about how many boys out there might love cheerleading, but never see themselves represented in the books or media around the sport. Carter is nine years old, cheeky, curious, and unsure at first. He’s never seen a boy cheerleader before and worries he might stand out. But once he steps foot in the gym, he realises cheerleading really is for everyone.
A Carnival, a Flyer, and a First Step
The story opens at a carnival in a little town called Claytown. Carter’s had his fill of rides and candyfloss when he spots the cheerleaders performing. The glitter, the power, the teamwork — they look like superheroes. It’s too exciting to ignore. That flyer on the ground? It becomes his invitation to try something new.
At first, Carter’s nerves almost get the better of him. He even considers walking out when he steps into the gym for the first time. But then he meets a tall, friendly male coach who reassures him that not only is cheer for boys too, but there are already others just like him training and competing. That moment changes everything for Carter. So lets get started…Once upon a time, in a small city called Clay Town—famous for its scorching summers and freezing winters—there lived a nine-year-old boy named Carter.
Carter had just spent the entire day at the local carnival, screaming his lungs out on rides that spun him like a washing machine and eating enough candyfloss to fuel a small rocket.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink that matched his sun-kissed nose, Carter was about to head home when something flashy caught his eye.
Across the way, a group of cheerleaders was practising, their glittery uniforms shimmering in the fading sunlight.
“They must be performing at the carnival,” Carter thought. But it wasn’t just the sparkle that drew him in—it was how they moved. Flipping, flying, and stunting with power and confidence, they looked like superheroes! Curiosity pulled him in. He shuffled closer, eyes wide, watching in awe as they launched each other into the air like it was nothing.
Then—BAM! A flyer landed in front of him. No, not a person, but a piece of paper. It read:
“Want to Cheer? Come Try a Free Class!”
Carter gulped. Cheerleading? For him?
At first, the idea made him nervous. He wasn’t even sure if boys did cheerleading—he’d never met one who did. The last thing he wanted was to stand out like a sore thumb. But the thought of flipping and flying like those athletes?
That was way too cool to ignore.
Why This Story Matters
Representation matters. Cheerleading isn’t just for girls, and I wanted children — especially boys like Carter — to see themselves in the pages of a cheerleading story. To see that it’s okay to be nervous, but it’s even better to take the leap.
This book is a dedication to my own little boy — baby boy, I’ll always be your number one cheerleader, no matter what you do or where you go. Writing Carter’s journey felt like a way of giving him (and kids like him) a story that says, “yes, this sport is for you too.”
Where to Find the Book
Jumping into Cheer is available in paperback and hardcover through Amazon and all major retailers. Or you can grab it as part of the Little Cheer Library box set, exclusive to slategrey-hamster-496221.hostingersite.com.
I’d love to hear what you think once you’ve read it — especially if you’ve got a child who relates to Carter’s journey.
Thank you for joining me and I look forward to seeing you in the next cheer chapter!
Allison xx
Jumping Into Cheer
Jumping Into Cheer – Join 9-year-old Carter as he discovers the thrill of cheerleading! Full of flips, stunts, friendship, and fun, this interactive picture book lets kids personalise the story, colour the illustrations, and access bonus activities through The Secret Book Club. A heartwarming tale about bravery, belonging, and lifting others up!
