Common Sense Media Review
By Oliver Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, fierce tween paranormal roller derby graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLOOD CITY ROLLERS we meet Mina just as she crashes a quad, ending her mother's dreams of having an olympic ice skating daughter. However, fate is literally just around the corner as a group of vampires heal and steal her away to save their roller derby team. Mina quickly learns the rules of roller derby, the value of teamwork, finds confidence and even a crush on the captain of the team. With her new found community's team on the line, Mina must play harder, smarter and stronger than ever before.
Is It Any Good?
This colorful graphic novel is a perfectly imperfect read for your perfectionistic tween. With strong female and gender queer characters, Blood City Rollers teaches us all a thing or two about belonging. It's got a strong message of empowerment for girls, non-binary, and trans kids. However, the lack of positive male role models to look up to may feel like a missed opportunity for some readers. Mina finds herself learning lessons about the value of failure, the power of community, and seeing past stereotypes. With perseverance, bravery, and integrity of self we find our heroine determined to keep this story of the undead alive at the end of the book, teasing more to come.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Mina's social anxiety and then perseverance in Blood City Rollers. When was a time you felt nervous with your friends? How did you handle it? What might you like to try next time?
Which colors does the illustrator use when characters are scared, happy, relaxed and sad? Which colors would you use?
Which character would you most like to be? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Tatiana Hill
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Labyrinth Road
- Publication date : April 9, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 192
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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