Another obvious "autobiography as novel" this one, too, has been extremely popular with young readers. Told in graphic novel form, the art isn't particularly dynamic (although it is very colorful) nor the tale particularly lyric, but I can see the appeal. In many ways, it was more simplistic than I expected, but since it rings true, the attraction will be there for any kid who ever struggled with the changes which accompany growing up, including losing a friend as they move from Elementary to the overly-social, cliquey world of Middle School (in this case, Junior High). Astrid, a girl who likes black and tends to be a different drummer, finds herself alone one summer when best friend Nicole goes the way of ballet camp and other bottle blondes. Astrid finds herself struggling at Roller Derby camp and oblivious to the skills required to make and keep friends. What follows is a good lesson or two which isn't preachy in the slightest. One of the most important lessons is about resilience. Astrid is way behind the other skaters in ability level and doesn't think she can make it past day one. But she is somehow determined. She gets knocked down (actually, physically, a lot, like, a whole lot) but gets up every time. And that is the point. Getting up. It's a celebration of inner strength which any pre-teen will identify with. Throw in the kind of diversity which is part of the real world (Astrid's mom is Puerto Rican and her idol is African American) as well as a journey for identity and you have a story which feels like "us." For fans of Raina Telgemeier's work, this makes a solid follow-up.
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