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Roller Girl

 

(Picture from Goodreads.com)

1.       Bibliography

Jamieson, Victoria. 2015. ROLLER GIRL. New York, NY: Dial Books. ISBN 978-0-8037-4016-7

2.       Plot Summary

ROLLER GIRL tells the story of a twelve-year-old girl that used to do everything with her best friend, but falls in love with roller derby and has to strike out on her own. Astrid has to work really hard to be good at the sport, but also struggles with losing her best friend and making new friends. This graphic novel was written by a real-life derby girl!

 

3.       Critical Analysis
This graphic novel is authentic because the novel itself was written by Victoria Jamieson, who was a derby girl. She knows the rules and struggles of the game firsthand and can speak to what a play may feel.

 

This coming-of- age story is great for students of middle school age with messages of friendship, perseverance, and girl power. Astrid struggles with losing a friendship, gaining friends, middle school struggles, and voicing her feelings.

 

The graphic novel format allows the readers to see into her world and experience Astrid’s facial expressions. Astrid’s face truly expresses her feelings as she is going. Being able to see what roller derby is like gives the reader a better understanding of how the game is played.

4.       Awards/ Reviews

*A Newbery Honor book
*2016-2017 Texas Bluebonnet Award winner
*A New York Times Bestseller
*A Spring 2015 Indie Next Pick
*A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of 2015
*A New York Public Library Best Book for Reading and Sharing of 2015
*A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2015
*A School Library Journal Best Book of 2015
*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015
*A Top 10 Latin@ Book of 2015
*A Parents Magazine Best Children's Book of 2015
*A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2015
*A Texas Bluebonnet Award 2016-2017 nominee
*A 2016 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers selection
*A 2016 YALSA Popular Paperback selection
*An ALA Notable Children's Book of 2016
*A 2015 Nerdy Book Club Award Winner for Best Graphic Novel

 


*“Roller Girl's message of self-discovery, friendship, and perseverance will roll its way right into your heart.” —Raina Telgemeier, New York Times bestselling author of Sisters

*“This spiky, winning graphic novel captures the bittersweetness of finding a new passion and saying goodbye to your former, more uncertain self.” —New York Times Book Review

* "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...Full of charm and moxie—don't let this one roll past." —Kiruks, starred review

* “The story will engage readers… Offer this comic to fans of Telgemeier’s Smile and Laura Lee Gulledge’s Page by Paige.”—School Library Journal, starred review

* "Readers will stand up and cheer."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Jamieson’s dialogue captures coming-of-age…so authentically"—Horn Book, starred review

5.       Connections

*Middle school students who like graphic novels would like this book. It would be a good transition from picture chapter books to longer texts.

*There are themes of identity and the struggle to fit in that students will enjoy.

Other graphic novels for middle schoolers that deal with growing up/tough issues:

* Craft, Jerry. 2019. NEW KID. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 978-0-06-269120-0

*Krosoczka, Jarrett. 2018. KEY, KIDDO. New York, NY: Graphix. ISBN 978-054502487

*Telgemeier, Raina. 2010. SMILE. New York, NY: Graphix. ISBN 978-0545132060

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