The author of 'Roller Girl' is Victoria Jamieson, and let me tell you, this graphic novel totally stole my heart when I first stumbled upon it. I was browsing my local bookstore’s kids’ section (no shame—great stories are great stories!) and the vibrant cover caught my eye. Jamieson’s background as a roller derby player herself adds so much authenticity to Astrid’s journey. The way she balances the messy, awkward middle-school emotions with the gritty fun of derby is just chef’s kiss.
What I love even more is how Jamieson doesn’t dumb things down for younger readers. The friendships feel real, the setbacks hurt, and the triumphs are earned. It’s one of those books I’ve gifted to like five people because it’s perfect for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in—and who hasn’t? Plus, the artwork is kinetic and expressive, perfectly matching the energy of the story.
Roller Girl' is one of those stories that sticks with you because it nails the messy, exhilarating journey of growing up. At its core, it’s about figuring out who you are while navigating friendships, passions, and the awkwardness of adolescence. Astrid’s obsession with roller derby isn’t just a hobby—it’s her way of finding confidence and independence, even as her childhood friendship with Nicole starts to fray. The book doesn’t shy away from showing how hard it can be when you outgrow people or situations, but it also celebrates the thrill of discovering something that makes you feel alive.
What I love most is how it balances realism with hope. Astrid fails, gets back up, and learns to embrace her own strength—both on the track and off. The theme of self-discovery isn’t groundbreaking, but the way Victoria Jamieson ties it to roller derby’s grit and teamwork makes it feel fresh. Plus, the graphic novel format adds so much energy to the story; you can practically hear the skates screeching during the match scenes.
Roller Girl' is such a gem! I first stumbled upon it while browsing graphic novels for middle-grade readers, and it instantly won me over with its heartfelt story about friendship and roller derby. As far as I know, Victoria Jamieson hasn't released a direct sequel, but she did write 'All's Faire in Middle School,' which has a similar vibe—just swap roller skates for Renaissance fairs! Both books capture the awkwardness and triumphs of growing up, so if you loved 'Roller Girl,' you'll probably enjoy that one too.
There's also a ton of great middle-grade graphic novels out there that fill the same niche, like 'Smile' by Raina Telgemeier or 'El Deafo' by Cece Bell. They all have that perfect mix of humor and real-life struggles. Honestly, while I'd adore a 'Roller Girl 2,' the original stands strong on its own, and Jamieson's other work keeps the spirit alive.
Roller Girl' is such a gem! I stumbled upon it a while back when I was digging into graphic novels about sports and coming-of-age stories. The art style is so vibrant, and the story about Astrid's roller derby journey is both heartwarming and empowering. If you're looking to read it online for free, I'd recommend checking if your local library offers digital copies through apps like Hoopla or Libby. Many libraries have partnerships with these platforms, and you can borrow the book legally without spending a dime.
Alternatively, sometimes publishers or authors share previews or selected chapters on their websites or platforms like ComiXology. It’s worth a quick search to see if Victoria Jamieson or the publisher has posted anything. Just be cautious of shady sites claiming to offer full free reads—they’re often illegal and risk your device’s security. Supporting the author by buying or borrowing properly is always the best move!