"Roller Girl" is a Newbery Honor graphic novel that beautifully captures the tumultuous experience of growing up and navigating changing friendships. It follows Astrid, a fifth grader who signs up for junior roller derby camp, only to find her best friend, Nicole, choosing ballet with a rival instead. The story delves into Astrid's struggles to learn a demanding sport, make new friends, and understand her evolving identity without Nicole. It's a poignant and empowering tale about resilience, honesty, and the joy of finding your own path, making it perfect for readers aged 8-12.
Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole. So when Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for a summer camp, she's sure Nicole will be right by her side - until Nicole signs up for ballet camp instead, with Astrid's biggest rival. And so begins the hardest summer of Astrid's life, as she struggles to stay on her skates, to learn who she is without Nicole . . . and to find out what it takes to be a strong, tough, awesome roller girl.