IZZY VS. CHEERLEADING

In this latest series outing, a frustrated sister finds a new creative outlet.

Middle school hasn’t been easy for Izzy. Her twin, Ari, chose to attend a prestigious performing arts academy, leaving Izzy to navigate Kagan Middle School on her own. Ari has countless after-school commitments, practices her violin constantly, and, in a move that breaks Izzy’s heart, decides she wants her own room. Izzy, stinging from the separation, seeks something to do with her sister-free time. When she hears an announcement for cheerleading auditions, her friends Jojo, Leah, and Ryan, the self-appointed Team Awkward, convince her to try out. Her improvised routine proves a bit goofy for the main squad, but the coach offers her a spot on mascot duty. Soon, Izzy finds herself sporting a cardinal costume and delighting her classmates with her comedic dance moves. Though Izzy enjoys making people happy, she still feels less-than when considering her sister’s accomplishments and goes to dramatic lengths to remain anonymous under her costume. Izzy’s interior emotional struggle is compelling: When your sibling’s success seems prodigious, how much do your own achievements matter? Secondary characters are well developed, too: Izzy has Team Awkward, empathetic parents, and, ultimately, her sister, who is experiencing problems of her own, to help her celebrate her worth. Izzy presents white and comes from a two-dad family with Jewish and Catholic backgrounds.

An emotionally engaging glimpse into middle-school life.