Comics fans and middle grade novel fans alike will find something to love in this fresh and engaging graphic novel by Oregon author and illustrator Victoria Jamieson. It’s got tons of roller derby action, a few tips on dying your hair an outrageous (but roller derby appropriate) shade, and a sweet but not too sweet story of friendship in that tricky summer before middle school. Friendship is not easy to navigate for any preteen, and this book is refreshingly honest as the spunky but somewhat clueless Astrid learns to channel her inner roller derby queen to face the hard truth about friendship. Sometimes you need to put on your war face and sometimes you need to say you are sorry and sometimes you need to ask your roller derby hero for advice via secret letters hidden in her locker.
–Rosanne, Annie Bloom’s Books, Portland, OR
Roll right up and get your girl power at Annie Bloom’s and other independent bookstores.