Rolling On

This heartwarming and poignant companion novel follows Ellie Cowan, an eighth grader who uses a wheelchair, as she confronts the emotional rollercoaster of growing up. The story delves into the complexities of first love, the changing dynamics of friendships, and the profound experience of a grandparent's declining health. Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes big feelings around transitions, loss, and self-discovery, offering a relatable narrative for preteens navigating similar life moments. It provides excellent representation for children with disabilities, showcasing Ellie's vibrant life and achievements.

In this “equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming” (Kirkus Reviews) companion to Jamie Sumner’s acclaimed and beloved novels Roll with It and Time to Roll, Ellie finds herself faced with first love and learning to let go. It’s the very end of eighth grade and all everyone can talk about is high school—everyone except Ellie Cowan. Ellie wants to freeze time. Middle school was epic. She moved to Oklahoma, made her best friends, won a baking championship, quit a beauty pageant, and dominated Putt-Putt golf in her wheelchair. But now her feelings for her best friend Bert are starting to change. When did Bert get so cute? And why are all the other girls suddenly noticing, too? As if that isn’t enough to deal with, Grandpa’s health takes a turn for the worse. So what do you do when you don’t know how to hold on or when to let go?