Jamieson, Victoria. Roller Girl. Bergenfield:
Penguin Group USA, 2015. ISBN 978-0-8037-4016-7.
PLOT
SUMMARY
Astrid has always done everything with her best
friend Nicole. They went to poetry readings, the opera, and art exhibits
together. But everything changes the summer before sixth grade. Astrid signs up
for Roller Derby camp and Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. This
turns out to be the most difficult summer of Astrid’s life as she struggles to
do well at camp and cannot seem to hold on to her friendship with Nicole. She
makes many mistakes and feels as if she cannot do anything right. However, once
Astrid seeks advice from her roller derby idol, Rainbow Bite, she decides that
she is determined to do whatever it takes to be a roller girl. This graphic
novel is a beautiful coming-of-age story that preteen girls can relate to and
find comfort in.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Roller Girl is a book for girls
of all ages and interests. The characters in this book are ones that preteens
can relate to. Even older readers are able to reminisce about their adolescent years
and empathize with Astrid as she struggles to find her place. This is a
coming-of-age story with a strong emphasis on friendship and determination. So
many readers experience the same life events as Astrid does as they transition
from elementary school to junior high. Groups of friends change, interests
change, and she is right there with the rest of us as she transitions into a
new stage of life. She learns what it means to be a true friend and she
develops confidence and skill as she strives to reach her goal of becoming a roller
girl. The author puts an emphasis on strong female characters, which empowers preteen
girls. Rainbow Bite, the famous roller girl, and Astrid’s mom are both strong
women who influence Astrid and help her succeed.
This graphic novel is full of bright, colorful
illustrations that give the reader an accurate look into Astrid’s life. The detailed
expressions on the characters’ faces show the emotional journey that children
encounter as they mature into young adults. Without the illustrations, Astrid’s
story would not be as accurately portrayed.
This book is an excellent choice for preteens girls
and women of all ages. It will challenge them to be strong and take risks to become
who they dream about being.
REVIEW
EXCERPT(S)
School
Library Journal Best Books of the Year
TEXAS
BLUEBONNET AWARD 2016-2017
NEWBERY
HONOR AWARD 2017
From Publisher's
Weekly 2015: “Jamieson’s full-color cartooning has a Sunday comics
vibe, and her pacing is faultless.”
From Kirkus
Reviews 2014: "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.”
From Booklist
2015: "A touching look at the ups and downs of following one’s dreams, in
addition to introducing readers to a relatively unknown sport.”
CONNECTIONS
Other Graphic Novels similar to Rollergirl:
Smile by Raina Telgemeier. ISBN 978-0545132060
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm. ISBN 978-0545741668
Activities
to go with the book:
After
reading this book with your book club, attend a roller derby bout. If that is
not an option, have participants go through the warm-ups that roller derby
players do before a bout.
Have
students write a letter of advice and encouragement to Astrid from Rainbow
Bite, her roller derby idol.
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