Shaylen Banks is an eleventh grader who’s struggling with the hurdles of high school life; cute boys, mean girls, and academia.

A traumatic childhood incident is responsible for her low self-esteem and lack of close friendships. And even though she considers her life grim, the mention of one thing lights the fire in her eyes; cheerleading!

With Shaylen Banks as the main character, The Breakthrough recounts the exhilarating journey of one season of an All-Star Cheer Team.

From disappointing practices, to traitors stealing routines, to victorious competitors, and ultimately, Nationals, this book tells the story of dedication, trust and determination…all necessary ingredients of a top notch All-Star Cheer Team!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR…

As a young girl, Ninha Ferreira found ultimate excitement in the sport of football. Week after week, she sat in the stands while her uncle coached little league, and her brothers played. Watching intently and learning the game, she wished that she too could be on the field. One day, while she restlessly sat in the bleachers, she noticed a group of girls on the sideline. With a little research, she discovered that they were cheerleaders. She though to herself, “If I become one of them, I can get closer to the football field!”

Although Ninha initially used cheerleading as a tactic to get closer to the football field, she evolved to live, eat, breathe and sleep this new sport. Ninha cheered for little league and high school, began coaching at age fifteen, and by age twenty-one, she co-owned and operated an all-star cheerleading academy. Teams that she has coached and consulted hold Regional Titles, State Championship Titles, and are nationally ranked. However, her most notable accolade came by way of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who honored her cheer academy for its dedication to youth in the community.

All Star Cheer Articles, Book 1: The Breakthrough is Ninha’s first published book. The Breakthrough is the first of a series of teen novels that focus on the juicy and exciting exploits of all-star cheerleading teams. Aside from writing, Ninha is known mostly for her assiduous work with young people, especially girls. She remains in close contact with many of her former cheerleaders, and they do not hesitate to contact her for advice, support, or a listening ear. Focusing on relationships, college, career, happiness and self-actualization, she mentors young people with a focus on helping them reach their fullest potential. Known for using the famous Tom Hanks line from A League of their Own, “If it was easy, everyone would do it,” she works diligently to keep her mentees on a productive and challenging life track.

Presently, Ninha Ferreira is volunteering her coaching services for various teams around the Bay Area. Professionally, she works as an Analyst for the City & County of San Francisco. She holds both an MPA Degree from Seattle University and a BA Degree in Ethnic Studies, from California State University, Hayward.

As an avid youth supporter, Ninha is always happy to meet and provide insight to young people. She happily accepts and responds to all e-mail inquiries, and can be reached at: ninhaspirit@gmail.com.  Or to purchase the book, visit: All Star Cheer’s Blog