I love this series. The Derby Daredevils have won my heat over and over and I hope this series goes on for hundreds of books. It's THAT good.

1 . This is the second book in the Derby Daredevils series. The series is about a roller derby team.

2. In this book, Shelly tries to find her role on the team, because she is not the fastest, or really the best at anything on the team. Kids will relate to trying to find your role in a group!

3. This book is great because it is about Roller Derby, and there really are not many books about roller derby for kids except ROLLER GIRL. Kids are curious about this more unusual sports. I really hope to see a track cyclist in a book soon.

4. This is about finding yourself so it is a great book for kids my age. All kids want to figure out who they are and what makes them special.

5. Well, this is where I would usually say THIS IS SUCH A GREAT BOOK, but I cannot because I over use that phrase so this is what I will say: I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH, IT IS SO COOL!!! IT IS SO GREAT FOR QUARENTINE.

Pre-pandemic, Austin fielded a robust roller derby scene, full of fierce women and lots of action.

Kit Rosewater’s new illustrated series “The Derby Daredevils” brings that world to vivid life for elementary schoolers as a framework to explore friendship, fitting in and emotional intelligence. The former Austinite will be part of a virtual BookPeople event Thursday with illustrator Sophie Escabasse to talk about their newest book in the Texas-set series, “The Derby Daredevils: Shelly Struggles to Shine.” (Abrams, $14.99)

“Once I started writing an ensemble cast for the Daredevils, it was so much fun to have the personalities play off each other,” Rosewater explained in a phone interview. That said, each book centers on one team member and her journey. “For each girl when she’s the protagonist of the book, we explore something that we dealt with growing up — sometimes it’s parts of me or sometimes it’s from different friends,” she said.

In the first volume, “Kenzie Kickstarts a Team,” fifth graders Kenzie and Shelly are desperate to join the new junior roller derby circuit, but the two best friends must invite three more girls into their circle to try out as the required team. (“I was really selfish about having one best friend,” jokes Rosewater of her own elementary school years.)

In “Shelly Struggles to Shine,” the team prepares for its first competition. Kenzie maps plays, Bree is fast, Tomoko blocks and Jules hip-checks their opponents, but Shelly feels like she doesn’t have a unique talent. Eager to win the Star Skater award, Shelly tries to distinguish herself by designing personalized gear for the team, yet her creations don’t go over as well as she’d hoped.

“I think it’s an important lesson for kids and adults that when a team is doing well, it’s a symbol that everybody is doing something wonderful, even if it’s not necessarily obvious or a standout thing,” Rosewater notes.

The series is aimed primarily at third and fourth graders, and Rosewater’s storytelling weaves in a host of elements that make the Daredevils’ world beautifully reflective of reality. We see assorted family structures, jobs and identities represented, which is particularly appreciated in a novel for younger readers. Inclusivity is part of the Daredevils’ reality and, by extension, the reader’s. It’s a perfect example of the roles all books can play in depicting — and normalizing — a range of experiences. (Ages 8-10)

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.

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!

This series is absolutely pure fun! I love the characters and I love how each book focuses on one team member. I love how Shelly's struggles are so natural for her age and yet the book illustrates exactly how big of a deal they feel like to a middle grader. Can't wait to read the next book!

Shelly and her fifth grade friends have taken up roller derby. Her friends all excel at something. She's a good all around player but feels she lacks any special ability. She pushes too to establish herself and alienates her friends. Simplistic but appropriate.

I really enjoyed this book about fitting in and being yourself. I think that the lesson learned in this book is very valuable and helpful. I also liked the sketches and thought they tied the book together nicely. I also enjoyed the fun loving girls and the adventures they have together. I think everyone can relate to Shelly at least once in their lives. I really enjoyed reading this book. This book is perfect for readers around 8-10.

Rosewater has created another excellent entry into the Derby Daredevils series, featuring strong characters, friendship, and fun. Young readers will love the continued story of the roller derby team, the accurate portrayal of friendship and identity, and the delight and challenges of being part of a team. Highly recommended!

This series is so fun! Book 2 did not disappoint! Shelly sounds just like so many of my students who need to see that they do shine!

The Derby Daredevils series is so much fun and will be a bit hit with my middle school readers! Definitely going to get this title into the hands of all Roller Girl fans!!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the first Derby Daredevils title and I was so excited to get a read Shelly’s story in Shelly Struggles to Shine. Her story is full of teamwork, girl power, self-esteem and figuring out who you really are. I loved seeing the Daredevils continue to grow in their friendship and I am hoping to see more of their individual stories in the future. It is also so nice seeing the diversity in these books too (various characters that kids can/will connect with), and everyone is celebrated for being themselves.

I think this book will be perfect for reluctant readers, friendship story fans, and fans of Roller Girl. I can't wait to add this title to my fourth grade classroom library!

E ARC provided by Netgalley



After putting together a roller derby team in Kenzie Kickstarts a Team, we see how the girls are doing. Kenzie is still great at planning what the team is doing, Bree is fast, Jules is good on defense, as is Tomoko, and Shelly starts to wonder what her essential role on the team is. When another group of teams is scheduled to be in Austin, the Derby Daredevils are excited to skate against some new groups, and throw themselves into practice. Shelly gets it in her head that the girls could benefit from new costumes, so starts to design and create things like bubble skates (bubble wrap wrapped around regular skates) for her team members, based on their personalities or skills. She is hoping that she can win Star Skater at the event, so her teammates will feel she is contributing. Her designs don't go over well with her teammates, who are a bit annoyed with them, and when there are wardrobe malfunctions on the rink, Shelly is blamed. How can she prove her worth to her team?
Strengths: This had lots of good description of the sport, a group of diverse characters (both in different ethnicities, and Shelly's crush on Bree), and a lot of realistic interactions among friends. From what I understand, fifth grade can be brutal, with lots of friend drama, fears about middle school, and negotiations with parents about freedoms. It was also good to see Shelly go back and forth between her mother and father; there's not enough of that in middle grade literature, and it certainly is the situation for many of my students. The illustrations add another level of fun to this.
Weaknesses: Like the first book, this seems a bit young. The characters are in fifth grade, and there's a big difference between the concerns of elementary school and middle school.
What I really think: I really liked the sports descriptions in this, but I'm not sure I need a series of books on roller derby. With the current situation, I am worried about budget cuts. I've placed this on my "list to purchase if I have enough money".

Kit Rosewater has become a favorite of mine for sure! I loved the first Derby Daredevils title and I was so excited to get a sneak peak at Shelly’s story. This story delivers on bringing out the best of the Derby Devils through friendships, teamwork, girl power, and more. I loved seeing the Daredevils continue to grow and shine in this latest installment and I look forward to more in the future. I like the diversity in these books too. The black and white illustrations are a great addition, helping to make this title appeal to reluctant and voracious readers alike. I recommend the Derby Devils to kids, teens, and adults, it's just such a fun series!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I loved the first book in this series, and the sequel delivers on as much heart as that one did. With Shelly taking the spotlight, we're thrown back into this group of girls and their roller derby team, continuing to navigating different friendships, self-esteem, and teamwork. A wonderful series that I would happily hand to any kid in my life (and any adult, too.)

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!)