Roller Girl

Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten 

Jamieson, V. (2015). Roller girl. New York:  Dial Books.

Astrid faces many changes during the summer before entering middle school. When Astrid becomes fascinated with roller derby, she thinks that her best friend Nicole will want to go to roller derby camp with her. They would do everything together , so she was in shock when Nicole tells Astrid she doesn't want to go to derby camp because she wants to go to dance camp instead. Astrid goes on her own to derby camp and she learns just how strong she is. She undergoes many changes while finding herself, including dying her hair blue. The ending is positive although Astrid and Nicole no longer have a close relationship, and they seem to have moved on.

This a graphic novel about growing up and facing challenges. It helps young readers to see that their confusing emotions are normal and that even when things don't turn out the way we expect, that doesn't always mean its a bad thing.

Some of us can identify ourselves with Astrid because at some point we have felt like we didn’t know who we were until something drastic happens. I think that this would be a great book to teach adolescents about the weird transition phase they may go through. It would be especially helpful to students who are having friendship struggles. Graphic novels like this one can be fun to read while at the same time offer useful information for a wide range of readers. Now I know more about the sport as well. Graphic novels can definitely help readers make a smooth transition from picture books to chapter books.

Book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r4zLaJrMWY

About the author:

http://www.victoriajamieson.com/

Other books by the author: