Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday 4.22.15

I am excited to join Alyson Beecher and other friends in this weekly challenge.  Finding great nonfiction picture books isn't a challenge anymore, there are so many wonderful books to be read now!  The challenge is sharing them with as many people as possible so they can find this wealth of literature to share with our young readers.  Thanks to Aly for starting this weekly link-up and thanks to all who join in!

Many people in the #kidlit community having been raving and talking about Victoria Jamieson's new graphic novel, Roller Girl.  It is a fantastic book that will easily appeal to readers of Cece Bell's El Deafo or Raina Telgemeier's Smile or Sisters.  Bright graphics, great story, and an introduction to a sport that is not well-known, roller derby.

While wondering through my library I came across this book and new it would be a perfect pair to Roller Girl.

Roller Derby Rivals

by Sue Macy

Roller Derby Rivals concentrates on two women, Toughie and Gerry, rivals in the roller derby game, but friends off the track.  The book focuses on the 17-day run of roller derby in New York in 1948 that was televised locally.  It showcases the rivalry, the sportsmanship and the drama - the looks for the camera - that comes along with the game.

I enjoyed seeing the differences between the earlier roller derby days and how it is currently shown in the new graphic novel.  Roller Derby Rivals has terrific end notes that gives detailed author's notes, source notes including film clips, books and websites, and a great roller derby timeline.

This book cannot go without the illustrations being mentioned.  Matt Colins does a great job showing the intensity of roller derby on the characters faces and in the action of the plays.

I highly recommend having this book if Roller Girl is a hot title in your classroom or library!