Hell's Belles

February 1, 2014

Gr 6-10-Fourteen-year-old Annie, British transplant to Liberty Heights, Illinois, her dad's hometown, is a tall, dynamic freshman who did gymnastics for 10 years and makes the cheerleading team in her new school. Then she decides to join the junior roller-derby league instead. Other engaging characters include dreamy soccer captain, Tyler, and Jessie, a punk rock DJ and clerk at the rink who is also Annie's personal cheerleader. Annie's teammates prove that derby girls come in all shape and sizes. The novel explores several separations, including Annie's parents', the teen's separation from her home country, and the difficulty of parenting from a distance. Being a roller-derby girl gives Annie confidence, though, and readers will emapathize with her.-Glynis Jean Wray, Ocean County Library, Toms River, NJ

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