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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.
Roller derby is tough. And, apparently, so is friendship.
Kenzie--AKA Kenzilla--wants nothing more than to be on a roller derby team like her mom. She and her best friend, Shelly--AKA Bombshell--practice whenever they can, waiting for the day they are old enough to join in the teen league. So they are ecstatic to learn that there is a new league, just for girls their age! There's just one problem: try-outs could mean a separation of the Dynamic Duo! When the girls learn that they can try-out as a team, it seems like the perfect solution! Except... they're a duo. And you need 5 for a derby team. Can they find three more girls in a week?
A wonderful first book in what should be a phenomenal series, "Kenzie Kickstarts a Team" is a great introduction to roller derby and has a strong focus on teamwork, friendship, and different ways to be brave. Kenzie and Shelley work through a rough patch in their friendship, while learning how to let new people into their circle, and each member of the team figures out where they fit into the team, and where they fit in in general. The series is also wonderfully inclusive with a racially and body type diverse cast, as well as LGBT themes. Perfect for girls who want more of Victoria Jamieson's graphic novel, "Roller Girl", and for sporty girls in general, I cannot wait to see more of these Daredevils!
Roller derby is tough. And, apparently, so is friendship.
Kenzie--AKA Kenzilla--wants nothing more than to be on a roller derby team like her mom. She and her best friend, Shelly--AKA Bombshell--practice whenever they can, waiting for the day they are old enough to join in the teen league. So they are ecstatic to learn that there is a new league, just for girls their age! There's just one problem: try-outs could mean a separation of the Dynamic Duo! When the girls learn that they can try-out as a team, it seems like the perfect solution! Except... they're a duo. And you need 5 for a derby team. Can they find three more girls in a week?
A wonderful first book in what should be a phenomenal series, "Kenzie Kickstarts a Team" is a great introduction to roller derby and has a strong focus on teamwork, friendship, and different ways to be brave. Kenzie and Shelley work through a rough patch in their friendship, while learning how to let new people into their circle, and each member of the team figures out where they fit into the team, and where they fit in in general. The series is also wonderfully inclusive with a racially and body type diverse cast, as well as LGBT themes. Perfect for girls who want more of Victoria Jamieson's graphic novel, "Roller Girl", and for sporty girls in general, I cannot wait to see more of these Daredevils!
lsparrow's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this 10-14 yr old novel about navigating friendships and teamwork. Loved the derby theme!!
pocketwatchcrow's review against another edition
5.0
Just finished reading this with my younger sister, and it reminded me of so many things from childhood. We laughed through most chapters, and it was just a fun read overall!
The story follows the misadventures of Kenzie and Shelly as they scramble to find enough players to start their own roller derby team. With unforgettable characters and an authentic voice, we can't wait for the rest of the series to come out! Recommended for fans of Drumroll, Please and The Breakaways.
The story follows the misadventures of Kenzie and Shelly as they scramble to find enough players to start their own roller derby team. With unforgettable characters and an authentic voice, we can't wait for the rest of the series to come out! Recommended for fans of Drumroll, Please and The Breakaways.
in_and_out_of_the_stash's review against another edition
4.0
What I liked about this book: different characters - ethnicity, body, identification - without it being rammed down your throat.
What I didn't like: supposedly 5th grade but they acted older.
What I didn't like: supposedly 5th grade but they acted older.
gothradiohour's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent novel for 5th graders! Rosewater does such a good job bringing to life roller derby and what it means to have your BFF make new friends. An excellent and heartwarming story. I will definitely be finding a way to spotlight this chapter book in an upcoming display at the library.
I love the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters. I look forward to the second (and third) book in the series.
I love the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters. I look forward to the second (and third) book in the series.
lesbrary's review against another edition
4.0
Middle grade roller derby series! The main character has a crush on another girl! Also, her dad is trans. This is adorable, and I can't wait for the next in the series to come out.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Abrams Kids/Amulet Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. One of my favorite graphic novels is by Victoria Jamison and it is called Roller Girl. This is what started my fascination with Roller Derby (although I do remember watching some as a kid) and when I saw this cover pop up all over my Twitter, I knew I had to grab a copy! I feel so lucky that I got one too.
I gave this book 4 stars and already have it ready to order in the fall when I get back to my classroom. This book is a perfect fit for 6th graders because of it’s accessibility to a wide-range of readers and the perfect themes for middle schoolers-those of friendship, identity, and perseverance.
I can’t wait for the next book! I love that it is a series.
I gave this book 4 stars and already have it ready to order in the fall when I get back to my classroom. This book is a perfect fit for 6th graders because of it’s accessibility to a wide-range of readers and the perfect themes for middle schoolers-those of friendship, identity, and perseverance.
I can’t wait for the next book! I love that it is a series.
reading_rogue13's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my. I loved this book. Young me who loved full contact sports and wanted to wrestle and play football would love Jules lol. Adult me who roller skates and is thinking about joining roller derby is so pleased to see more books about badass girls of all shapes and colors who roller skate! While roller skating is a skill and it can be as hard as you want it to be, it’s also a hobby that should be accessible to everyone! Such a fun read and adorable illustrations. Go Daredevils!