By VP Anderson Tatiana Hill
Get ready to roll or get out of the way!
“Blood City Rollers” by V.P. Anderson is a thrilling blend of dystopian adventure and supernatural intrigue. Set in a shadowy, alternate world, the graphic novel 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.
Tatiana Hill’s 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. 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 and struggles to fit in mirrors adolescent insecurities, inviting conversations about identity and resilience. Pairing gritty urban fantasy with relatable emotional stakes, “Blood City Rollers” is a gem for students who thrive on kinetic storytelling and bold visuals.
