Synopses & Reviews
For fans of Raina Telgemeiers Smile, a heartwarming graphic novel about friendship and surviving junior high through the power of roller derby. For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid's life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. As the end of summer nears and her first roller derby bout (and junior high!) draws closer, Astrid realizes that maybe she is strong enough to handle the bout, a lost friendship, and middle school
in short, strong enough to be a roller girl.
In her graphic novel debut, real-life derby girl Victoria Jamieson has created an inspiring coming-of-age story about friendship, perseverence, and girl power!
Review
Praise for
Pest in Show:
"Sure to tickle the fancy of fun- and pun-loving youngsters and would-be young stars. This silly read-, dance-, and sing-aloud could be a smash hit."—Kirkus Reviews
"Brimming with buggy puns, wordplay, reworked classics (“Im Housefly the Garbage Man,” set to the tune of “Popeye the Sailor Man,” is the standout), matched in tone by Jamiesons brash collage and acrylic cartoons—SLJ
Praise for Olympig:
"An amusing lesson in how to lose gracefully." —USA Today
"Jamieson snatches moral victory from the jaws of athletic defeat with warmth, satirical wit, and old-fashioned silliness." —SLJ
Review
"Jamieson captures this snapshot of preteen angst with a keenly decisive eye, brilliantly juxtaposing the nuances of roller derby with the twists and turns of adolescent girls' friendships...Full of charm and moxie—don't let this one roll past." —
Kiruks, starred review
Review
“The story will engage readers… Offer this comic to fans of Telgemeiers Smile and Laura Lee Gulledges Page by Paige.”—School Library Journal, starred review
Synopsis
The Newbery Honor Award Winner and New York Times bestseller Roller Girl is a heartwarming graphic novel about friendship and surviving junior high through the power of roller derby--perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid's life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. As the end of summer nears and her first roller derby bout (and junior high ) draws closer, Astrid realizes that maybe she
is strong enough to handle the bout, a lost friendship, and middle school... in short, strong enough to be a roller girl.
In this graphic novel debut that earned a Newbery Honor and five starred reviews, real-life derby girl Victoria Jamieson has created an inspiring coming-of-age story about friendship, perseverence, and girl power
From the Trade Paperback edition.
About the Author
Victoria Jamieson received her BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and worked as a children's book designer before becoming a full-time illustrator. She has also worked as a portrait artist aboard a cruise ship, and has lived in Australia, Italy, and Canada. She now lives with her family in Portland, Oregon, where she maintains a not-so-secret identity as Winnie the Pow, skater with the Rose City Rollers roller derby league.