From the Bookshelf of Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
What Members Thought
Um, just so, so good. Not only is this a super introduction to the world of roller derby (something I knew nothing about but now feel like I could understand), but it's an empowering story of girls navigating middle school friendships and never, ever giving up on their dreams. For the first time, Astrid is spending the summer apart from her best friend Nicole who is so not interested in roller derby and elects to sign up for ballet camp. Not only is Astrid on her own at roller derby camp, she's
...more
this is SUCH a perfect look at the middle school/junior high transition, and making new friends, and the struggles of learning a new sport. and it's so funny!!
an obvious, awesome readalike for Smile.
of course, the true star is SLAY MISERABLES and her Hugh Jackman cardboard cutout, I mean, I can't even. ...more
an obvious, awesome readalike for Smile.
of course, the true star is SLAY MISERABLES and her Hugh Jackman cardboard cutout, I mean, I can't even. ...more
Great graphic novel focused on an adolescent girl trying to fit in when life is changing around her.
Her Mom takes her on a cultural outing to see a roller derby match and she is mesmerized. Even though she is terrible at skating, she goes to a roller derby camp and through her stubborn nature and determination makes some progress and has some crazy adventures.
I loved rollerblading when I was younger and wish a book like this would have been around.
Her Mom takes her on a cultural outing to see a roller derby match and she is mesmerized. Even though she is terrible at skating, she goes to a roller derby camp and through her stubborn nature and determination makes some progress and has some crazy adventures.
I loved rollerblading when I was younger and wish a book like this would have been around.
If fifth-grade Melissa had read this in fifth grade, her life would have been taking a very different path -- very likely into roller derby infamy. Also, she probably would have been better able to navigate her changing friendships and her own individual weirdness. As is the case, adult Melissa is super glad this book exists for modern angsty, sweet tweens and future roller derby champions.
Astrid falls in love with roller derby the summer before middle school starts, and assumes her best friend will join her, but Nicole is all about dance camp, boys and new friend Rachel instead. This is the best tween book I've read in ages - absolute pitch perfect emotions and relationships, the art is adorable and awesome, and the story about roller derby and friends and changes is charming and fabulous. Zoey's obsession with Hugh Jackman (and Wolverine standing in for The Boy From Oz) was hila
...more
One of the best middle school books I've read. It was so inspirational and hilarious. I'm recommending this book to my friends. Astrid rocks.
...more
My daughter adored this so much I immediately starting searching for read alikes. So glad this book is around for the girls like her.
I love Jamieson's graphic novels. She really gets the middle schooler's brain. And I learned about how roller derby is scored!
...more
Wow! I didn't realize this was set in Portland, Oregon (where I live), so that was a really fun surprise. This heroine is a really unique one, so she is going to either be super relatable or not (in my case, not). However, I liked how feisty and spunky she was. This is a great one to add to lists of books on growing up and making friends. The roller derby element was so fun!
...more
I really liked this graphic novel. Girl power! It also highlighted tween friendship tensions as well as challenging yourself with something new - in this case roller derby!
Victoria Jamieson is my new favorite
I loved this!
Jun 01, 2020
Alison
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
madeleine-books,
books-in-2020
