I’m still going strong with my reading challenge from last year, and this year I’m also taking on the Newbery reading list. Lucky for me, Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson counts for both!
The story follows 12-year-old Astrid, who has always done everything with her best friend, Nicole. They’re practically joined at the sleepovers, outings, hobbies, you name it. So when Astrid signs up for roller derby camp, she just assumes Nicole will join her. But to Astrid’s shock, Nicole chooses dance camp instead… with a new friend. And just like that, Astrid’s toughest summer begins.
Roller derby itself is a fascinating backdrop. It’s a full-contact sport played on roller skates, and Jamieson does a great job showing both the thrill and the grit behind it. We see Astrid learning the rules, mastering skating techniques, and facing painful falls (literally and figuratively). It’s not just about skating fast it’s about strategy, teamwork, endurance, and mental strength.
What makes Roller Girl shine is how authentically it portrays friendship changes. Astrid struggles to connect with her teammates, misses her old friend, and pushes herself through grueling practice sessions just to keep up. Along the way, she learns how to be resilient, how to set goals for herself, and how to find confidence without depending on someone else to define her.
The artwork (since this is a graphic novel) is colorful, expressive, and fun it brings the roller derby world to life while capturing Astrid’s emotions in every panel. By the end, you can’t help but root for her as she transforms into a braver, stronger, and more independent version of herself.
For me, Roller Girl is more than just a sports story, it’s about finding your place, chasing your passions, and learning that real strength comes from within. If you’ve ever gone through a friendship shift or taken on something totally out of your comfort zone, this book will hit home.
Fun Facts About Roller Derby
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It started in the 1930s as an endurance skating event before evolving into the fast-paced contact sport we know today.
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It’s played on an oval track where two teams compete to score points by having their “jammer” lap members of the opposing team.
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Players have unique “derby names”—fun, often pun-filled nicknames that showcase their personality and style.
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It’s a sport of strategy—blockers work to stop the opposing jammer while helping their own jammer get through the pack.
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Roller derby is empowering—it’s known for promoting teamwork, inclusivity, and building confidence, especially among young players.
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