I'll Die if I Don't Make Cheerleading

Two, four, six, eight--making the squad will be GREAT! If I make the squad...

Gracie Franklin is finally going to middle school! The one thing she wants most in the world is to make the sixth-grade cheerleading squad, but stupid Nick Bower-dork keeps calling her fat, and her supposed best friend says her jumps aren't high enough.

Will crossing her fingers and wishing extra, super hard be enough to get Gracie on the squad, or will she be the only one of her friends left out of the cheerleading fun?

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Dear Reader:

When I was a little girl, more than anything in the world, I wanted to be a cheerleader! I finally got my chance in second grade, when I attended a "Spirit Camp" at a local high school. All at once, it was scary and exciting and when I won the award for "most spirited", I seriously couldn't believe those glamorous high school cheerleaders had called my name!

Fast forward a few years and I now cheer professionally the Tulsa Oilers! I cheered in elementary school on a pee-wee team for the Tulsa Talons indoor arena football team, and in both middle and high school, but of all of those years, middle school was for sure the toughest!

Not only was it hard adjusting to the added homework and my HUGE new school, but cheer practice took FOREVER, and no one told me about the DRAMA! Or how tough it is when you don't make a squad.

Despite all of cheer's craziness, I still love it! I cheer with some of my best friends, and can't imagine life without cheerleading.

Confession--my mom, Laura Marie Altom, has published LOTS of books, so when she asked me what I thought about the two of us writing a cheerleading series, I was excited to join her!

We have a great time deciding what Gracie and her friends will do next, and have already started Gracie's second story, I Made Cheerleading and I'm Still Going to Die!

Since we both have the same middle name of "Marie", we decided Marie Altom was the perfect name for our joint venture. But since Mom is busy with her "grown-up" books, when you write Marie Altom an email or visit us on Facebook, Twitter or even Instagram, you'll be talking to me!

I love sharing random pics of my life and of course, cute pics of my dogs and cats! I especially LOVE hearing from readers, so please let me know what you think about Gracie and her crazy life!

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Challenges Gracie faces:

Bullying:
In her first story, Gracie experiences both peer pressure and bullying. I was fortunate enough to avoid bullying in middle school, but in high school, I encountered some not so nice people.

Please, please don't do what I did by letting it get out of control before you ask for help! You'd be surprised how many teachers, friends and family will be there for you, and willing to help!

Having a multigenerational family:
When I was in 8th grade, my great-grandmother came to live with us. She has Alzheimer's and lots of times scared me and my friends. I know she didn't mean to, but that didn't make it easier to handle. She liked shiny things, which meant she was always taking my poms and sequined cheer bows.

Lots of times, I was almost late for practice or games, because she'd hidden my stuff in her room. My mom and dad were great about getting all of it back, but having her live with us was one of the hardest things our family has ever been through.

When Gracie's grandfather has surgery, he must live with her family. She's at first scared of him, but then realizes that just because he's old, doesn't mean he can't still be lots of fun! And a great friend!

Adding a baby to her family:
Since I have a twin brother, I never had to deal with my mom having another baby, but honestly, I was always a little scared of what might happen if she did!