Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paperback, 240 pages
Published March 10th 2015 by Dial Books Canada
Source: Local Library

This is a wonderful wholesome coming of age story of a middle schooler dealing with many issues facing children of this age but particularly one which almost all of us go through. That time when we find ourselves drifting away from the best friend we've had since kindergarten. Nicole and Astrid will be starting junior high after this summer and though they've always done everything together, this summer Astrid is joining Roller Derby camp and Nicole doesn't want to because she has already decided to join Ballet camp. Their interests have been going in different directions lately anyway, but everything changes when Nicole befriends Astrid's archnemesis Rachel. Astrid's coming-of-age story is inspiring and compelling as she faces the determination of becoming fascinated with a new interest (roller derby) and puts her determination into learning to not just play but starting from scratch with learning to skate. She makes new friends, dyes her hair, experiences lying to mother and having to "'fess up", then finds her relationship with her mom maturing as she herself matures. It's also a humorous story with lots of comic moments and has the reader rooting for Astrid and her new friend. The art is charming and somewhat reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier and this will appeal to fans of her books as well. I'm completely smitten!