Fantasy, Fiction, YA Book Review: Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson Jamieson, Victoria. 2015. ROLLER GIRL. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 9780545934978 2. PLOT SUMMARY When Astrid’s mom decides to take her and her best friend, Nicole to a roller derby bout, the two girls expect to be less than entertained. However, Astrid is inspired by the derby girls creativity and toughness. So much so, that she signs up to attend the roller derby summer camp and fully expects Nicole to jump on board. However, Nicole is more interested in dance, and decides to attend a ballet camp. As Astrid works to become a true roller derby girl, she must navigate growing apart from her best friend. When the big bout comes, Astrid realizes that she is tough enough to handle just about anything. 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Roller Girl is a story of female strength and empowerment, but it is also about honesty, hard work, and navigating adolescence and growing apart from friends. Astrid speaks with candor and honesty which is refreshing in a female character. She finds a mentor in Rainbow Bite, a tattooed and technicolor haired roller derby star, which might seem an unlikely role model for a children’s book. However, Victoria Jamieson proves that toughness and being fearless are important qualities in a role model, regardless of if they have constant ladylike behavior. This story includes difficult themes, not often found in children’s books, such as the ebb and flow of friendships, and that it is perfectly okay to have different interests than your best friend. Astrid learns about strength through healthy competition, and also about inner strength. That you can’t always hit and lash out at people just because you are having a row. Jamieson perfectly balances story with sports in this graphic novel that is sure to excite young readers everywhere. 4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S): KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Clean, bright illustrations evince the familiar emotions and bring the pathos to life in a way that text alone could not.” PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “When she comes up with an elaborate scheme to bolster a teammate’s failing confidence and carries it off despite the pressure of their upcoming bout, readers will want to stand up and cheer.” 5. CONNECTIONS Other stories by Victoria Jamieson: OLYMPIG! ISBN 978-0606388443 PEST IN SHOW ISBN 978-0803737013