Roller Girl (Family Comic Friday)

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson is my selection for this week's Family Comic Friday. Written and illustrated by an actual roller derby athlete, this all-ages graphic novel gives a semi-autobiographical look at the world of roller derby, in particular, an derby camp for girls in Portland called the Rose City Rosebuds.              

   The main character is Astrid, a young tomboy who's developing into a young woman. But while her best friend is now interested in dance, fashion, makeup and the boys, Astrid is still rough and tumble. When her BFF decides to go to ballet camp, the two girls have a parting of the ways.      

   This leads Astrid to join the Rosebuds, inspired by her favorite player, a skater with colorful socks named Rainbow Bite. Being the youngest and the smallest girl at the camp, and not a very good skater either, will mean that Astrid will have to dig deep if she's going to become the next roller derby Star. Maybe the little girl with pink hair might wanna practice some blocks with her after camp...?

   Roller Girl is girl power in sequential art form. The book isn't preachy though it is feminist through and through. But there is nothing wrong with teaching young ladies that it's okay to not wear frilly dresses or want to be a cheerleader. There's also the great message that there is nothing wrong with being you- it's what makes you unique.          

      I really enjoyed this book. The art was clean and fun. The story was original, but it had a timeless appeal to it. Jamieson's book has been compared to that of Raina Telgemeier ( Sisters) and I agree. I felt like I was reading a true story and the artwork did remind me of Teglemeier's work. (Speaking of which, Telgemeier gives a blurb of praise right on the book's cover. See image above.)                 

      There is nothing to object to here. Though some parents may not approve of the violent nature of roller derby. Plus, Astrid is a little mouthy towards her mom in a couple of scenes, but it's more because of the confusion she is feeling about becoming a young woman and not out of spite. 

   The message of empowering young women to be athletic and different is one that I would teach my daughter if I was a parent. Though I would get her hooked on comic books, Doctor Who, and the Steelers once she emerged from the womb. But, boy, would I take her to roller derby in a heartbeat- but her mother would have to teach her how to skate...

     Ideal for girls AND boys, starting at around age 10. 

    Worth Consuming. 

    Rating 10 out of 10 stars.