Sophie Escabasse’s art brings to life the story’s emotions as well as the humor and camaraderie. Even readers who know nothing about roller derby will feel comfortable with this book’s easy explanations of the sport and accompanying illustrations—just take a glimpse at the dynamic cover.

She is currently adapting her original comic book series SLAM! — co-created with Veronica Fish — as an animated half-hour with Rooster Teeth and Minnow Mountain for HBO Max. She is attached to direct (with Paul Franklin) her live-action feature adaptation of her critically-acclaimed graphic novel My Boyfriend is a Bear (co-created with Cat Farris). She is also adapting her comedic memoir NOTES TO BOYS (AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULDN’T SHARE IN PUBLIC) as an animated series for FX’s CAKE. If you like or love roller derby, this is a comic book you need to be reading. Hardcore derby fans will enjoy it. People who have seen Whip It a few times will like. Anyone who enjoys a fun comic book with strong female characters will enjoy it. 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 La historia esta exquisitamente estructurada, para que cualquiera que la lea se sienta identificado. Llena de mensajes, algunos simples, otros muy muy complejos.I was pumped to read this middle-grade graphic novel all about recognizing female empowerment within the roller derby community, especially after having read and loved Pamela Ribon's SLAM! Vol. 1, which is a YA comic bundle set around the same premise. Roller Girl was so much fun to read! The humor was contagious and I couldn't help but to laugh out loud. I like the friendship portion of this book as well. I loved the mother daughter relationship. I liked how Astrid's mom took her some places like the museum and as much as Astrid hated those places, she also armed with knowledge when she needed it. Astrid's true feelings on shopping and dresses was funny. I loved the illustrations. A definitely must read book, I highly recommended this story to everyone!

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. ROLLER GIRL follows the story of Astrid as she navigates the hard-hitting worlds of junior roller derby and middle school friendships. It's based on my own struggles fitting in in middle school- as well as the home I found while playing roller derby as an adult. Astrid is 12-years-old and does everything with her best friend Nicole – until Astrid signs up for roller derby and Nicole starts making new friends at ballet. I wish there were more contemporary graphic novels because it's a wonderful, underrated format for them. Not only do we get a fantastic story, but are able to experience visually the pain, frustration and heartbreak of real life.

While at roller derby camp, Astrid finds a new friend, Zoey, with whom she can bond over the sport. This friendship is destined for conflict, however, as both girls are training to become the team's jammer. Ultimately, Astrid learns the value of sacrificing personal desires for the greater good of the team goal while also learning that friendships are especially fragile things. Nicole After seeing this book, I knew I had to have it and thus I bought it immediately. And how happy I am that I did. This book was fantastic.

The thing I liked best, though, is this isn't a Becomes The Hero story. She doesn't become a champion Jr. derby skater. SPOILER ALERT: She doesn't win the end match, though she does take one for the team. She works really hard, she trains hard, she tries hard and she's just regular. Not amazing. Middle of the line. She also has fun. 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. I also have to give a big applause to the main character's mom. Who was wonderful, who tried her best to care for her daughter, to be there for her. And she gave her some great advice when everything went wrong. Seriously, she is one super mom! The writer/illustrator is a former book designer and mom who. . . wait for it. . . wait for it. . . skates roller derby in REAL LIFE under the name Winnie the Pow. Wow. I just fell a little in love. Speaking of tension, the heat between Dayna and a witchling from the other coven is palpable. You’ll root for them to be alive and together at the end.At camp, Astrid wonders if she can still be friends with Nicole; she later makes friends with Zoey, a fellow camp contender, but struggles with her skating skills and jealousy over making the team.