The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team - by Kit Rosewater & Sophie Escabasse

About the Book

Fifth-grade best friends Kenzie "Kenzilla" and Shelly "Bombshell" dream of becoming roller derby superstars one day, but when a junior league forms and they must recruit teammates, will their friendship survive?

Book Synopsis

"This a great pick about fierce young ladies coming together through sports. The book has loads of action and plenty of heart." --Booklist, starred review

"Perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl, and readers seeking stories about sports-loving girls supporting each other." --School Library Journal, starred review

Kit Rosewater and Sophie Escabasse's The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team is the first novel in a highly illustrated middle-grade series that celebrates new friendships, first crushes, and getting out of your comfort zone.

Ever since they can remember, fifth-graders Kenzie (aka Kenzilla) and Shelly (aka Bomb Shell) have dreamed of becoming roller derby superstars. When Austin's city league introduces a brand-new junior league, the dynamic duo celebrates! But they'll need to try out as a five-person team. Kenzie and Shelly have just one week to convince three other girls that roller derby is the coolest thing on wheels.

But Kenzie starts to have second thoughts when Shelly starts acting like everyone's best friend. . . . Isn't she supposed to be Kenzie's best friend? And things get really awkward when Shelly recruits Kenzie's neighbor (and secret crush!) for the team. With lots of humor and an authentic middle-grade voice, book one of this illustrated series follows Kenzie, Shelly, and the rest of the Derby Daredevils as they learn how to fall--and get back up again.

Also Available:
The Derby Daredevils: Shelly Struggles to Shine
The Derby Daredevils: Tomoko Takes the Lead

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"In her wonderful debut, Rosewater gives readers a look into the world of roller derby and what it entails, while depicting a relatable story of shifting young friendships... A great addition to juvenile sports fiction for school and public libraries. Perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl, and readers seeking stories about sports-loving girls supporting each other."--School Library Journal

**STARRED REVIEW**
"This a great pick about fierce young ladies coming together through sports. The book has loads of action and plenty of heart, running with themes of friendship, being a good communicator, dealing with jealousy, and even a little sprinkle of how it feels to have a crush on someone you think is just the coolest person ever. Memorable characters and frequent illustrations bring the story to life and will make anyone want to get their derby on."--Booklist

"A lighthearted celebration of life, friendship, and rolling with the punches."--Kirkus Reviews

"Relatable, empathic series debut introduces readers to the fast-paced sport of roller derby and hints at interesting backstories for Kenzie's teammates."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Kit Rosewater has a master's degree in children's literature from Hollins University. The Derby Daredevils is her debut book. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sophie Escabasse is the author-illustrator of the forthcoming Witches of Brooklyn graphic-novel trilogy. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.