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Roller Girl

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

Media Type: Paperback book

This book contains 240 pages.

Award: Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2016

Summary:

This a graphic novel about growing up and facing challenges. Astrid faced 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. Instead their friendship ends 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's no longer have a close relationship, and they seem to have moved on.

Response:

This graphic novel is an unexpected treasure. 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. I think that this would be a great book to teach pre-teens about the weird transition phase they are in. I think that it would be especially helpful to students who are having friendship struggles. It would be great for a class discussion about friendship arguments and how to be a good friend.

Connection to textbook:

Chapter 13- Graphic novels can be fun to read while at the same time offer a wealth of information for a wide range of readers. Graphic novels can help readers make a smooth transition from picture books to chapter books.

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