Behind The Book | Into the Why and How of My Cheerleading Journal

Hey friends, Alison here! With over 20 years in the cheerleading industry (and somehow ending up as an author too), I’m here to give it to you straight. No fluff. Just useful tips, stories, and the quirks of life on the mat and in the books.

Today, we’re turning the page to something a little different. Book number five in the set isn’t a storybook at all — it’s My Cheerleading Journal. And honestly? This one came directly from the athletes themselves.

Why My Cheerleading Journal Came to Be

I had athletes asking me for an activity-style book that wasn’t just reading, but something they could fill in, play with, and make their own. They wanted colouring, games, and spaces to record their skills and memories. So I listened.

Past athletes even sent me lists of what they’d like included — and My Cheerleading Journal was born.

What’s Inside the Journal

This book is part keepsake, part activity, and part reflection tool. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• Colouring pages: Illustrated by Nina (you’ll recognise her work from the earlier books) with positive quotes scattered throughout.
• Fun games: Think dot-to-dots and other activities that can be coloured in afterwards.
• Cheer playlist pages: A place to jot down favourite cheer songs — perfect for when you hear one at an event and don’t want to forget it.
• Skill tracking: Sections for flexibility, jumps, stunts, and tumbles, with space to stick in photos of progressions.
• Competition memories: 10 full competition spreads, plus a showcase section. Each has a checklist (great for encouraging kids to pack responsibly), memory pages, space for messages from friends and coaches, and an activity page.
• Snack ideas: Because let’s face it — cheer weekends always need snacks.
• Notes section: For extra thoughts, doodles, or anything else.

It’s not just a journal. It’s a year-long cheerleading time capsule kids can look back on. And it’s a brilliant alternative to screen time at events.

A Special Author Exclusive

One of my favourite details? The ribbon bookmark. But here’s the thing — you can only get the ribbon edition if you buy it directly from The Cheerleader Book Club.

Hardback copies sold anywhere else (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) won’t have the ribbon marker. It’s my little author-exclusive touch.

Final Thoughts

My Cheerleading Journal is one of those books that grows with the athlete. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it’s meaningful. I’ve already seen athletes filling theirs in, and it’s incredible watching them reflect, get creative, and record their cheer journeys in such a personal way.

So, if you’re looking for a gift, a competition weekend essential, or just a screen-free activity your cheerleader will actually use — this is the one.

Grab yours now at The Cheerleader Book Club.

Thanks for sticking with me until the end of this chapter — see you in the next one!

Allison xx