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Contemporary Fiction: Roller Girl



Bibliographic-
Jameison, Victoria. Roller Girl. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015.
ISBN 978-0-525-42967-8.
Summary/ Critical Analysis-
Roller Girl is a bright, colorful graphic novel that explores Astrid’s journey through learning
roller derby and navigating friendships. Astrid is a sassy 11 year old who doesn’t quite fit
in with her classmates who are becoming interested in boys and make up and shopping.

Her mom takes her to a roller derby bout in an “evening of cultural enlightenment”, which
are normally so boring that Astrid falls asleep. This time, Astrid falls in LOVE with the sport
and signs up for a summer camp to learn, despite the fact that her bestie won’t be joining
her.

 As Astrid struggles to learn to skate, she also grapples with her changing relationships with
her best friend, her mom, and her new roller derby friends. Over the course of the summer,
Astrid learns how to be a good friend, becomes less self-centered, and comes into her own
as “Asteroid” the roller girl.

 This book is inspiring, but is also a very real reflection of that weird summer between 5th
and 6th grade, and does a great job explaining the very fun sport of roller derby. Jamieson
nails the awkwardness of being 11 and trying to find who you are, and presents it in fun
illustrations and dialogue. Roller Girl makes a great short read for potentially reluctant
readers, as well as anyone who has ever navigated changing friendships.
Awards and Review Excerpts-
Newbery Honor Book
Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Cybils Award
ALA Notable Children’s Book
“While learning the game [roller derby], Astrid learns how to be a friend and, maybe, that
not all friendships are forever. A touching look at the ups and downs of following one's
dreams, in addition to introducing readers to a relatively unknown sport.”--Maggie Reagan,
Book List 2015.
“Tweens and young teens will identify with Astrid's journey to find her unique voice in the
world and derby name on the track.” -- Horn Book 2015.
“As Astrid navigates the rough-and-tumble sport she's fallen in love with (and the bumps
and bruises that come with it), she must also deal with what happens when friends just
stop being friends and grow apart. Jamieson captures this snapshot of preteen angst with
a keenly decisive eye, brilliantly juxtaposing the nuances of roller derby with the twists and
turns of adolescent girls' friendships. Clean, bright illustrations evince the familiar emotions
and bring the pathos to life in a way that text alone could not.”-- Kirkus Reviews 2015


Connections-
Check out a roller derby bout!
     Austin Area Roller Derby: http://www.txrd.com/
Another book by Victoria Jamieson: All’s Faire in Middle School


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