Roller Girl

I loved All's Faire in Middle School so much, I immediately had to start reading this one, which is even more delightful. Loved the artificially-colored-hair-as-an-act-of-rebellion representation. Loved the tough, diverse derby girls, especially role model Rainbow Bite. Loved that Astrid devotes all her time and energy to becoming good enough to be a jammer...and doesn't become a jammer. Because sometimes we try and try to improve and we still kinda suck. Sometimes we have a goal in mind and fail to reach it, and that's okay. Not enough children's media shows that, I think. The portrayal of a two friends growing apart as they age and their interests diverge, with all the messy emotions that go along with that, was spot-on. No wonder this was up for a Caudill. Great for fans of Reina Telgemeir, the Babysitter's club graphic novels, and the like.