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laura_cs's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
These girls are ready to rumble, but a certain Daredevil isn't sure she's going to shine...
Shelly (AKA Bomb-Shell) loves roller derby and art, and she's excited to learn that she and her fellow Derby Daredevils are going to participate in their first tournament! Except... Bree's the speed-demon Jammer, Kenzie is the mastermind with the playbook, Tomoko is the best at blocking, and Jules is the best at falling. So where does that leave Shelly? Desperate to solidify her place on the team, Shelly decides to turn her drawings of her teammates into reality, giving them super-cool skate gear! But will it be enough?
The second book in the fantastic "Derby Daredevils" series is a great introduction to roller derby, handling self-esteem issues, navigating friendships, and learning how to work as a team. Rosewater and Escabasse are a fantastic duo, with their epic combination of captivating writing and gorgeous illustrations. Perfect for fans of Alex Morgan's "The Kicks" and Victoria Jamieson's "Roller Girl", "Shelly Struggles to Shine" is an amazing book for readers of all ages and whether or not they love roller derby. (But, let's be real, you're going to want to at least watch a bout of roller derby by the time you're done, if not give it a whirl yourself!)
These girls are ready to rumble, but a certain Daredevil isn't sure she's going to shine...
Shelly (AKA Bomb-Shell) loves roller derby and art, and she's excited to learn that she and her fellow Derby Daredevils are going to participate in their first tournament! Except... Bree's the speed-demon Jammer, Kenzie is the mastermind with the playbook, Tomoko is the best at blocking, and Jules is the best at falling. So where does that leave Shelly? Desperate to solidify her place on the team, Shelly decides to turn her drawings of her teammates into reality, giving them super-cool skate gear! But will it be enough?
The second book in the fantastic "Derby Daredevils" series is a great introduction to roller derby, handling self-esteem issues, navigating friendships, and learning how to work as a team. Rosewater and Escabasse are a fantastic duo, with their epic combination of captivating writing and gorgeous illustrations. Perfect for fans of Alex Morgan's "The Kicks" and Victoria Jamieson's "Roller Girl", "Shelly Struggles to Shine" is an amazing book for readers of all ages and whether or not they love roller derby. (But, let's be real, you're going to want to at least watch a bout of roller derby by the time you're done, if not give it a whirl yourself!)
in_and_out_of_the_stash's review against another edition
4.0
What I like about these books, which I imagine would be a reason for people to hate them, is all the diverse characters but no deal is made about it.
aengh's review against another edition
3.0
Shelly Struggles to Shine was a fun book; the beloved Daredevils are back, with all the enthusiasm for the first book in the series. It's a great follow-up because it expands on the first storyline while still staying true to the world and characters that that first book in the series created.
What I love about this series is that it showcases positive friend groups who all respect each others' differences. I like that each one has a different talent or hobby beyond derby, and I think derby is a great activity to showcase. I love that the series isn't preachy, like some adult-written kids' books can be. Readers can really put themselves into the group's shoes and become invested in the relationships and the plot.
What I love about this series is that it showcases positive friend groups who all respect each others' differences. I like that each one has a different talent or hobby beyond derby, and I think derby is a great activity to showcase. I love that the series isn't preachy, like some adult-written kids' books can be. Readers can really put themselves into the group's shoes and become invested in the relationships and the plot.
liralen's review against another edition
3.0
Very cute. I don't have a tonne to say about this series except that it's a lot of fun and I love seeing roller derby in fiction. There are some good lessons in here for younger readers. And! Bonus! Although it took my library forever and a day to get a copy of this book, they've already ordered book three, and I'm in line for it.
caseythecanadianlesbrarian's review against another edition
4.0
The second book in this queer-inclusive illustrated middle grade series about a roller derby team is just as great as the first one. Shelly, a creative artist type, struggles to find her place on her team when it seems everyone else has a natural role. Some of her attempts to "shine" do not turn out so well. Nice to see the inclusion of a side adult nonbinary character. We've also got divorced parents representation with Shelly.
This series has a nice Babysitter's Club vibe, with the group of girls who all work together but have different strengths.
This series has a nice Babysitter's Club vibe, with the group of girls who all work together but have different strengths.
matokah's review
5.0
I read the first book in this wonderful series in one sitting and completely adored it. Book two also did not disappoint. I love the little nods to queer representation in these books with Kenzie's crush on another girl and her trans dad in the first book and the acknowledgement that not every fits into the 'ladies and gentlemen' categories at derby events, along with Fen, a minor secondary character who uses they/them pronouns in this second book.
The illustrations are also a delight and really help emphasize character moods at various plot points throughout the book as Shelly strives to find something she's best at within her team.
For adults, this will be an easy, enjoyable read. For kids, it should feel accessible and engaging. No matter your age, you can't go wrong with this series.
The illustrations are also a delight and really help emphasize character moods at various plot points throughout the book as Shelly strives to find something she's best at within her team.
For adults, this will be an easy, enjoyable read. For kids, it should feel accessible and engaging. No matter your age, you can't go wrong with this series.
froggy_dear's review
4.0
Book 2 of the Derby Daredevils highlights Shelley. She's not the fastest, or the best at hitting, or the strategy mastermind. She sees the strengths that her four friends and teammates have, but can't see that see has a unique strength.
I found Shelly's quest to make things to stand out while fitting in very relatable. She's trying so hard, but making it harder on herself in the process. I think it will resonate with a lot of young people,
As a roller derby player, I appreciate the setting of this story against the backdrop of junior roller derby. It makes me wish I could lace up my skates and practice with my friends again!
I found Shelly's quest to make things to stand out while fitting in very relatable. She's trying so hard, but making it harder on herself in the process. I think it will resonate with a lot of young people,
As a roller derby player, I appreciate the setting of this story against the backdrop of junior roller derby. It makes me wish I could lace up my skates and practice with my friends again!
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