Books › Roller Girl
Roller Girl
240 pages
A high-energy, bruised-knees journey through the growing pains of middle school friendships and the thrill of finding your own track.
What it feels like
Reading this graphic novel feels like lacing up a pair of skates for the first time: wobbly, a little scary, but ultimately exhilarating. The narrative captures the distinct, sweaty energy of middle school, perfectly balancing the sting of outgrowing a childhood best friend with the fierce joy of discovering a new passion. It is a brisk, visually dynamic experience that does not shy away from the literal and metaphorical bruises of adolescence. The dialogue is snappy and authentic, paired with artwork that radiates movement and emotion. It is an incredibly relatable, triumphant read that will delight anyone who has ever felt left behind, offering a spirited reminder that falling down is just the first step to getting back up.
- Mood
- energetic
- awkward
- triumphant
- spirited
- Tone
- earnest
- humorous
- relatable
- encouraging
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- shifting friendships · finding your passion · resilience and grit · middle school growing pains · identity discovery
- The writing
- Punchy and conversational, relying on dynamic, expressive illustrations to convey the physical and emotional bumps of adolescence.
- The arc
- Moves from the sting of being left behind by a best friend to the hard-won triumph of discovering personal strength and a new community.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers navigating the messy transitions of tween friendships and anyone who loves a scrappy underdog story.
Content notes
- friendship fallout
- mild bullying
About the book
Roller Girl is a young adult graphic novel written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, published by Dial Books for Young Readers in 2015. It is set in contemporary Portland, Oregon and details how the hero, Astrid, becomes a roller derby skater. It was named a Newbery Honor book in 2016.
Description from Open Library.
Books like Roller Girl
See why they match
All's faire in middle schoolVictoria JamiesonA warm, visually engaging exploration of the awkward clash between a quirky, theatrical family life and the harsh realities of public middle school.
Honor girlMaggie ThrashA humid, bittersweet plunge into the dizzying confusion of a first queer crush at a traditional Southern summer camp.
On a sunbeamTillie WaldenA breathtakingly gorgeous, slow-burn journey through space that feels like a warm hug from a found family.
CourageRaina TelgemeierA warm, deeply validating hug of a graphic memoir that makes the terrifying, isolating feelings of childhood anxiety feel manageable and shared.
All summer longHope LarsonA sun-warmed, gentle graphic novel about navigating the quiet stretches of summer when your best friend is away.
Real FriendsShannon HaleA deeply validating, emotionally honest exploration of the roller coaster of childhood friendships and the quest to find where you truly belong.