The Squad: Perfect Cover

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Reader reviewed by ReggieWrites

This book was a TEN on the twists and turns scale. The ending was so
unexpected. I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was wrong.



I couldn't help but notice it's kind of similar to The Specialists Series.
In both books, each person on the team has a special skill. And it's
kind of ironic how both series are in the perspective of a computer
whiz.



I loved the characterization of Toby. She's sassy, sarcastic, and
smart. But the zero to hero thing is a little unrealistic. In reality,
someone like Toby can't be an insignificant nobody (no offense) one day and become an ultra-popular cheerleader the next day. It was a little

Reader reviewed by MelodyJM

Toby Klein is the last person you would ever imagine in a cheeleading squad, in fact she'd rather cut off her hand than come within 5 feet of a pom-pom. In fact, the only reason she went to try-out was because it was a get-out-of-detention-free pass. That and the mysterious invitation in her locker written in code. So you'd think it would be odd she would join the squad, right? It turns out The Squad is actually a bunch of teenage CIA Operatives, and, honestly who in thier right mind would think shallow bubble-gum-blowing CHEERLEADERS would work for the government in highly dangerous missions. It's the Perfect Cover. Now, why would Toby, an outsider at her own school be picked to join the squad? Well she's one of the best hacker's ever, having hacked into the pentagon at age 13. Also she happens to have a blackbelt, and is understandablty good at hand-to-hand combat. So now she gotta look cute, while saving lives. Think she can hack it?

What I loved most about this book is Toby's ironic sense-of-humor, and her tough girl attitude. You practically had to force to wear glitter. It's fun to see things from her perspective especially with her sarcastic wit covering every page. It's also intersting to read about her decoding the cryptic. This book didn't particularly keep me on the-edge-of-my-seat, turning pages, but it was definately good, and for certain worth a read. With an ending specifically designed to make you want more, The Squad is Jennifer Lynn Barnes's best book yet!

Reader reviewed by Julie M. Prince

No one could laugh more uproariously at the thought of cheerleader super-spies than meexcept maybe Toby Klein.

Toby is a sophomore at Bayport High, one of the most affluent schools imaginable. In a place where designer backpacks are out of style the minute theyre spotted in the hallways, there are only ten girls popular enough to be a blip worth noticing on the Bayport radar. The Varsity Cheerleading Squad. Since there are only eight team members remaining after graduation, recruitment has begun.

Enter combat-boot-wearing, butt-kicking Toby Kleinno relation to Calvinand you have &cheerleader material?

Before a mysterious,coded note finds its way into her locker, Toby has no idea how to apply make-up, much less the importance of blending it. No way would she ever consider joining the Bod-Squad. But, lured by the promise of all the high-tech gadgetry her hacker heart desires and an appreciation of her black belt and de-coding talents, Toby finds herself on the same team as a girl named Bubbles.

Ive read and enjoyed the work of Jennifer Lynn Barnes before (GOLDEN, TATTOO, PLATINUM), so I was well aware of her talent for humorous writing. However, I was like, totally blind-sided by the level of comedy this woman can produce.

I found it impossible to make fun of the silly undercover cheerleader references when the protagonist beat me to it at every turn:

&a voice filled the room&Hello, girls, the voice said. I had an incredible urge to respond with Good morning, Charlie,&.

Instead, I relaxed into the atmosphere Barnes so brilliantly created and laughed right along with Toby as she mastered the bullet-proof bra and the taser iPod.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh. Luckily, you wont have to wait long for more cheerleading spy humor, since the first sequel in the series, THE SQUAD: Killer Spirit, has already hit stores.

Reader reviewed by Mia

Toby Klein would rather eat dead squirrels than become a cheerleader. But that is exactly what happens when she finds a series of notes written in CODE by CHEERLEADERS.

Witty, sarcastic and kick-butt Toby Klein hits a super ironic joy-ride when she joins THE SQUAD.

Have to say I would have never picked up a book with a pink cover (gag me) if A: I hadn't gotten it as a gift. B: I hadn't flipped to a page where there were some extremely funny comments by Toby.

I think no matter if you're a skirt wearer or bad attituder you'll love it...