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What do you get if you pick up a copy?
- Girls supporting girls and standing up for themselves!
- Stereotypes like “girls can’t play basketball” or “girls are too weak to play derby” are kicked in the butt in this book!
- The most diverse and awesome group of friends you could ask for
- There is a quiz on Kit’s website where you can find out which of the Daredevils you are most like!
Review:
If I had to summarise this book in one word, it would be “wholesome”. It is entirely impossible to get rid of the cheesy smile you’ll be wearing when you read Kenzie’s story. Kenzie Kickstarts a Team follows Kenzie as she and her best friend Shelly try to find three other derby players so they can show up as a team on tryouts – and crush the other teams, obviously. Kenzie and Shelly who have always been a duo are dealing with their own doubts and insecurities as they search for new players to fit their impromptu team and the girls they find are refreshingly inclusive and diverse. From Tomoko, a shy and amazing basketball player, to Bree who is cool, confident, and knows her way around a skateboard, there is someone to relate to for everyone who picks up this book. The competitive streak that bonds them all together made the stakes higher and keeps you on your toes as you keep your fingers crossed for the girls to get what they’re working so hard for. And as is the case in roller derby, so it is in life – these girls have to figure out how to fall and then get back up again and start all over.
This sweet book delves deep into the dynamics of friendship and the fear of growing up ultimately meaning growing apart. As new friends change the way Kenzie and Shelly interact and see each other, there are some hurt feelings and miscommunications. But this is also a tale of encouragement and a reminder that you have to stick together and let the other person expand their horizons while still having them be part of your life. It’s a story about getting out of your comfort zone and opening up to the possibility of finding new friends – and maybe even more than that. Yes, there is a hint of romance in the works for Kenzie and I am keeping my fingers crossed that readers will get to see where her crush on Bree takes her in the next instalment!
A charming debut filled with friends supporting each other and superb illustrations, The Derby Daredevils prove what we have known all along – girls who stick together can rule the world – and derby tryouts, obviously.
The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts A Team is available on Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of March 24th 2020.
Will you be picking up The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts A Team? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
A highly illustrated middle-grade series that celebrates new friendships, first crushes, and getting out of your comfort zone
Ever since they can remember Kenzie and her best friend Shelly have dreamed of becoming roller derby royalty. Accompanying Kenzie’s mom, the roller derby superstar to her practices, make their dreams feel closer than ever when Austin’s city league decides to host tryouts for a brand-new junior league! The only caveat? You need a five-person team to try out. Kenzie and Shelly, the dynamic duo, are stunned. Where are they going to find three new players in just one short week so they can make the league? Well, they will just have to convince three girls that there’s nothing better than roller derby. But as the two of them venture out and encounter new friends, Kenzie starts to wonder – is Shelly still going to be her best friend when she’ll have three new girls who are also obsessed with derby at her side?
As things get awkward, friendships are tested and unlikely crushes are revealed, the girls have to band together to make their dreams a reality.
