Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal. Roller Girl nailed the Newbery Honor because it captures that specific, painful moment when you realize your best friend is becoming someone different—or maybe you are.

Victoria Jamieson (an actual roller derby girl) brings authenticity to both the sport and the emotions. The graphic novel format isn't a crutch; it amplifies the story, making Astrid's frustration, determination, and eventual triumph feel immediate and visceral.

What makes this work is that it doesn't take shortcuts. Astrid isn't instantly good at derby. Her friendship with Nicole doesn't magically repair itself. She has to figure out who she is when she's not just 'Nicole's best friend,' and that's hard. The book respects that difficulty while still being hopeful.

The one 'ass' shouldn't scare anyone off—it's used in context of bullying and feels realistic rather than gratuitous. This is an empowering, honest book that gives kids permission to change, to try hard things, and to be okay when friendships evolve. Highly recommend.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 8-13, right in that sweet spot where friendship drama starts getting complicated and kids are figuring out who they are outside of their best friend. The graphic novel format makes it accessible for younger or reluctant readers, while the emotional depth keeps older middle schoolers engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

A genuinely warm story about navigating friendship changes, perseverance, and finding your own path. Astrid experiences bullying and the pain of a drifting friendship, but handles it with authenticity. One use of 'ass' (in context of bullying) is the only language concern. Models resilience, kindness to new friends, and healthy emotional processing through a difficult summer.

Imaginative

82

Introduces kids to the vibrant, unconventional world of roller derby—a sport most won't have encountered. The graphic novel format brings the action and emotion to life visually. While it's more about personal discovery than world-building, it opens doors to thinking about non-traditional sports, finding unexpected passions, and the courage to try something completely new.

Safe

92

Extremely safe for the target age group. Contains mild bullying (handled appropriately), one instance of the word 'ass,' and the normal emotional challenges of friendship loss and middle school anxiety. No violence, mature themes, or content that would surprise or disturb young readers. Multiple parent reviews confirm it's appropriate and empowering.

Enriching

86

Tackles real middle school challenges: friendship evolution, finding your identity separate from others, perseverance through difficulty, and girl empowerment. Shows that it's okay when friendships change and that you can be strong enough to handle hard things. The roller derby setting provides representation of athletic girls in a non-traditional sport. Newbery Honor winner with five starred reviews for good reason.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Newbery Honor winner that actually deserves the hype—honest, funny, and emotionally real about friendship changes
Introduces roller derby as a legitimate sport and shows girls being tough, competitive, and supportive of each other
Graphic novel format makes it perfect for reluctant readers or kids who need a visual boost
Doesn't sugarcoat the pain of losing a best friend but shows you can survive it and come out stronger
Astrid is a relatable protagonist who makes mistakes, gets frustrated, and has to work hard—not a perfect hero

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What to Watch For

One use of 'ass' when describing bullying—mild but worth knowing if your kid is sensitive to language
The friendship breakup is genuinely sad and might hit hard for kids going through similar situations
Some kids might feel pressure to find their 'thing' like Astrid does with derby—good opportunity to discuss that it's okay to still be figuring it out

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt like you and a friend were growing apart? What was that like?"
"Astrid kept going to derby camp even when it was really hard. When have you stuck with something difficult?"
"Do you think it's okay that Astrid and Nicole went to different camps? Can friends have different interests?"
"What do you think about roller derby? Would you ever want to try a sport that seems scary at first?"
"Astrid made a new friend even though she was sad about Nicole. How do you think that felt?"

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