Squad Girls
Four friends balance school, friendship, sport and dance in the first book of a new Irish series.
Squad Girls is a sport and friendship fiction title by Evanne Ní Chuilinn. In the children’s bestseller list we checked on 7 November 2026, it was number 8. This guide explains what the book is about, who it suits, how to talk about it and what to read next.
What is Squad Girls about?
Squad Girls follows four friends, Tara, Ríona, Sam and Penny, as they juggle school, friendships and their passions for sport and dance. Between them they take on sprinting, swimming, Irish dancing and gymnastics.
It is the first in a series, and Children’s Books Ireland has recommended it. Readers who enjoy contemporary school stories with a sporting backbone will find plenty here.
Squad Girls: book details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Evanne Ní Chuilinn |
| Series | Squad Girls (book 1) |
| Format | Paperback |
| Publisher | Gill Children’s |
| Published | 3 September 2026 |
| Length | 232 pages |
| Genre | Sport and friendship fiction |
| Age guide | 9+ |
| ISBN (edition listed) | 9781804583951 |
Ages marked as “suggested” are our own guidance, not the publisher’s. Editions and dates can differ between shops, so check the listing for the copy you want.
Why children enjoy Squad Girls
- Different sports and dance styles mean most readers will find someone to relate to.
- An Irish setting and Irish dancing give it local flavour.
- A friendship focus with real-feeling problems suits readers moving into tween fiction.
Reading and talking tips
Use these prompts to make reading time a conversation:
- Ask: “Which of the four friends is most like you?”
- Talk about how training and teamwork feel in your own activities.
- If your child does a sport or dance, compare it with the book’s descriptions.
An Irish connection
This title has an Irish link through its author, setting or subject, which makes it a good fit for our collection of Irish children’s authors and illustrators.
About Evanne Ní Chuilinn
Evanne Ní Chuilinn is an Irish writer whose books include The Great Irish Book of Gaelic Games. Squad Girls is the first book in a new series from Gill Children’s.
Read more on our Evanne Ní Chuilinn author page.
If your child likes this, try…
- Milly McCarthy and the Doggy Daycare Drama by Leona Forde, number 9 in the list.
- Nina Peanut: Major Drama Alert by Sarah Bowie, number 15 in the list.
- Disaster Dad: Animal Antics by Donncha O’Callaghan, number 5 in the list.
Browse the whole list in our Top 20 children’s books, or use our books by age guides to find your next read.
Frequently asked questions about Squad Girls
What age is Squad Girls for?
The publisher suggests 9 and up.
Is Squad Girls an Irish book?
Yes. It is published by Gill Children’s and written by Irish author Evanne Ní Chuilinn, and it includes Irish dancing among its sports.
Is it part of a series?
It is the first book in the Squad Girls series.
Where to find it: your local library, an independent bookshop or an online retailer. Library membership is free in Ireland; see our guide to using your library.