Roller Derby Rivals

Starred review from September 1, 2014
As they did in Basketball Belles (2011), Macy and Collins offer a superb social study through a sports lens. In the days after World War II, when Rosie the Riveter was expected to go back to slinging hash at home, some girls took up a new sport slinging each other around a track. Roller derby had been developed, and a growing fan base, aided by the advent of television coverage, couldn't get enough of the feisty free-wheeling queens. Collins' dynamic, full-spread action "shots" emphasize the circular sweep of the track and the disappear-into-the-distance audience. They give readers the feeling they are not just ringside, but perhaps working the TV camera. The text replicates a sportscaster's staccato and captures the pace of the competition. Macy seamlessly packs in the details that allow youngsters to understand the cultural revolution they are witnessing, including the changing role of women, the birth of TV sports programming, and the use of sports marketing that includes the cultivation of personas and manufactured rivalry-here between Toughie Brasuhn and Gerry Murray-to keep fans hooked. Even as these women battle it out, the mischievous glimmers in their eyes reveal their love of the sport and regard for each other. Children eager to see the two real-life queens need only turn to the backmatter to find photos and URLs for film clips.Positively riveting. (author's note, timeline, sources, further reading) (Informational picture book. 7-10)

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August 1, 2014

Gr 2-4-The lesser-known sport of roller derby is introduced in this informational picture book. Macy highlights the importance of television in the development of the game, even mentioning in her author's note that "While television coverage increased the popularity of Roller Derby, the Derby also helped establish television's appeal as an entertainment medium." The text begins by laying out the rules, and then focuses on a game that took place in December 1948, involving two well-known rivals: Gerry, the "glamour girl" crowd favorite, and Toughie, the opponent everyone loved to hate. At the end, however, readers learn that even though the two women appeared to be bitter rivals, it was all for show ("Every hero needs a villain./And every villain needs a worthy opponent."). The author recreates the excitement of the game with some success. Boldly illustrated spreads capture the time period realistically and work well with the text to highlight the main action points. Macy's enthusiasm for the topic comes through in the additional resources: a detailed author's note, a time line, and sources and resources that include film clips, books, websites, source notes and photos of Gerry and Toughie. Interest is going to be limited on this topic, but this book could be an excellent resource for those studying the time period or exploring the history of television. Because the appeal of roller derby continued well through the 1960s, students may enjoy discussing this book with family members who remember watching the sport on television.-Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

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