Publishers Weekly
★ 01/29/2024
Thirteen-year-old figure skater Mina Murray’s dreams of one day winning Olympic gold are forfeit when an ill-timed fall on the ice ends her career before it even begins. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for Mina, she uncovers an alternate route to athletic fame when a roving gang of young roller derby vampires called Blood City Vamps kidnap her to join their team as a last-minute jammer against the Mavens. Training with the Vamps—especially their bold, brave captain Val Halla—reinvigorates Mina’s love for skating, but when a strange creature from Val’s past puts Mina’s life at risk, Mina must choose her own path: return to her regular life or face unknown dangers and remain with her new companions on the Paranormal Roller Derby track. In this high-octane double graphic novel debut, Anderson expertly captures the supernatural complications of tossing a human into a creature feature rivalry and the struggles of finding one’s place in the world. Hill’s lively illustrations, rendered in bright, eerie neon, winningly encapsulate the frenetic pace of derby, striking a refreshing balance between spectral sports romp and queer found family narrative. Characters are portrayed with varying skin tones. Ages 8–12. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
★ "In this high-octane double graphic novel debut, Anderson expertly captures the supernatural complications of tossing a human into a creature feature rivalry and the struggles of finding one’s place in the world....a refreshing balance between spectral sports romp and queer found family narrative." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Relatable and sweet." —Booklist
"This hybrid-genre graphic novel rolls by on raucous wheels, its anarchic and camp tone perfectly suiting Mina’s coming-into-herself as a rebel in the queer community of paranormal-derby....Defiant and joyful." —The Bulletin
"An entertaining story about a teen finding her own place in life and starting down her own path. Recommended where paranormal graphic novels are popular." —School Library Journal
"Dialogue is snappy and fun, and their comedic timing is on point. Paired with Tatiana Hill’s highly-saturated, action-packed, meme-referencing illustrations, the pages of Blood City Rollers feel alive. Or perhaps, given the subject matter, undead?….a delightful, queer, middle-grade romp about doing what you love and finding your people.”
— The Beat
School Library Journal
04/01/2024
Gr 7–10—Thirteen-year-old Mina Murray dreams of becoming an Olympic figure skater. After she lands a quadruple axel in competition, she suffers a bad fall, ruining the performance and breaking her arm—her Olympic dreams dashed. While waiting for her ride, Mina is abducted and swiftly introduced to the world of the Paranormal Roller Derby (PRD). The Vamps need a new jammer (a position that must be filled by a human), and they offer Mina a deal: if she agrees to join their team, they will heal her arm. As Mina learns the ins and outs of the PRD, she also gets to know her teammates and makes personal breakthroughs as well. Mina's lack of understanding of the paranormal world is reflected by the limited worldbuilding. However, rules and roles of the PRD are clearly defined and easy to follow, and the team members are introduced with pronouns included. The full-color artwork makes it easy to follow the chaos of the derby with clearly distinguishable teams. VERDICT An entertaining story about a teen finding her own place in life and starting down her own path. Recommended where paranormal graphic novels are popular.—Lisa Rowland
