QUEERLEADERS

A cheer captain enters into a secret relationship with a new recruit.

As a squad, the Oak Haven Hornets “could not be gayer if a rainbow itself spat us from its womb.” But when a straight student doesn’t make the squad and alleges discrimination, the coach gives cheer captain Davie, a white girl who struggles with anxiety, an ultimatum: Add a straight cheerleader to the ranks or lose funding. Davie thinks she’s found a “perfect straight” in Kendall, the newest squad member’s older sister. Plot twist: Kendall, who’s cued Black, is bi “as hell.” To make matters worse, Kendall and Davies’ attraction is mutual—and hard to keep quiet. As the pair’s budding relationship heats up under everyone’s noses, the squad hits more roadblocks on their way to nationals. Even if the team makes it, will their relationship ever get to be public? Following their collaboration for 2025’s Call Your Boyfriend, Cole and Woodfolk team up for another Sapphic rom-com that seamlessly alternates between first-person narrative voices. The diverse cast of side characters encompass a variety of skin tones and sexualities, creating a strong sense of queer found family. The overall atmosphere is refreshingly affirming and lighthearted despite the presence of buffoonish villains who exemplify bigoted values. The co-authors also don’t shy away from exploring important themes, including making assumptions about others’ identities, bi erasure, and what it truly means for a space to be safe.

Infectious queer joy—and romance—worth cheering about.