Blood City Rollers by V.P. Anderson is a thrilling blend of dystopian adventure and supernatural intrigue, perfect for middle-grade readers aged 9–13. Set in a shadowy, alternate world, the story follows Mina, a resourceful human girl kidnapped by a vampire roller derby team to serve as their star jammer. Thrust into a high-stakes supernatural underworld, Mina navigates alliances with quirky undead teammates while grappling with her own identity and longing for freedom. The narrative balances fast-paced action with themes of belonging and self-discovery, as Mina learns that true strength lies in embracing her uniqueness rather than conforming to others’ expectations. With its vibrant cast of characters—including a skeleton coach and a ghostly strategist—the book transforms the classic underdog story into a paranormal thrill ride that keeps readers hooked. Anderson’s graphic novel format makes this an exceptional choice for reluctant readers and language learners. The dynamic illustrations provide crucial visual storytelling, depicting everything from roller derby maneuvers to supernatural transformations, which helps decode complex scenes without overwhelming text. Sentences lean toward straightforward structures with punchy dialogue, while specialized derby terminology (“jammer,” “blocker”) is naturally contextualized through both art and plot. Though the Lexile level accommodates middle-grade readers, occasional idiomatic phrases (“skate or die”) are balanced by clear visual cues, making them accessible for discussion in classroom settings. The book’s inclusion in the 2025 Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List underscores its appeal to tweens seeking high-interest narratives. Educators will appreciate how Mina’s journey—struggling to fit in yet resisting erasure of her humanity—mirrors adolescent insecurities, inviting conversations about identity and resilience. Pairing gritty urban fantasy with relatable emotional stakes, Blood City Rollers turns reading into an immersive experience, particularly for students who thrive on kinetic storytelling and bold visuals.
