Shelly and her fifth grade friends have taken up roller derby. Her friends all excel at something. She's a good all around player but feels she lacks any special ability. She pushes too to establish herself and alienates her friends. Simplistic but appropriate.

What I like about these books, which I imagine would be a reason for people to hate them, is all the diverse characters but no deal is made about it.

Note: I received a digital review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

this is a wonderful MG series

This series is so fun! Book 2 did not disappoint! Shelly sounds just like so many of my students who need to see that they do shine!

Another great continuation of the series. This is reminding me I need to hang out more often with the young people in my life!

The second book in this queer-inclusive illustrated middle grade series about a roller derby team is just as great as the first one. Shelly, a creative artist type, struggles to find her place on her team when it seems everyone else has a natural role. Some of her attempts to "shine" do not turn out so well. Nice to see the inclusion of a side adult nonbinary character. We've also got divorced parents representation with Shelly. This series has a nice Babysitter's Club vibe, with the group of gi...

This is such a cute series!!

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...SHELLY STRUGGLES TO SHINE is a great middle grade read that follows the struggle of individuality and feeling like you contribute to a team. Shelly and her friends are part of a junior roller derby team, and it seems like everyone has their special role- except Shelly. She is great at drawing funny pictures, but that doesn't seem to translate into a great contribution on the team.When the chance comes up to have a tournament with a...

E ARC provided by NetgalleyAfter putting together a roller derby team in Kenzie Kickstarts a Team, we see how the girls are doing. Kenzie is still great at planning what the team is doing, Bree is fast, Jules is good on defense, as is Tomoko, and Shelly starts to wonder what her essential role on the team is. When another group of teams is scheduled to be in Austin, the Derby Daredevils are excited to skate against some new groups, and throw themselves into practice. Shelly gets it in her head t...

I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.These girls are ready to rumble, but a certain Daredevil isn't sure she's going to shine...Shelly (AKA Bomb-Shell) loves roller derby and art, and she's excited to learn that she and her fellow Derby Daredevils are going to participate in their first tournament! Except... Bree's the speed-demon Jammer, Kenzie is the mastermind with the playbook, Tomoko is the best at blocking, and Jules is the best at falling. So whe...

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.This is the second book in The Derby Daredevils series, and it's written from Shelly's perspective. While everyone on the team seems to have a specialty, Shelley doesn't feel like she's the best at anything. She's good at lots of things, but she wants to stand out at something important to her team. She decides to design some additions to their derby gear to help her teammates excel at their special skills, but when her plan back...

Shelly is a bit of a boring main character. Even after reading this story, I know nothing about her except that her parents live separately and she has different relationships with both of them. That could have been explored more to give her more of a personality, or it could have come out in her relationships with the Daredevils. She barely has a relationship with the Daredevils, who come across as jerks who don't get her or bother talking to her to find out what's going on--even Kenzie. I was

My favorite team is back and they’re not about to be rolled over at their first tournament! Releasing September 15th, THE DERBY DAREDEVILS: SHELLY STRUGGLES TO SHINE (Book 2) by Kit Rosewater follows the team as they get on track for the competition with the visiting league. In anticipation of their bout, the Derby Daredevils devise a practice plan and work on plays and strategies, but Shelly is not quite sure how she can contribute to the team. I loved getting to know (and empathize with) Shell...

I read the first book in this wonderful series in one sitting and completely adored it. Book two also did not disappoint. I love the little nods to queer representation in these books with Kenzie's crush on another girl and her trans dad in the first book and the acknowledgement that not every fits into the 'ladies and gentlemen' categories at derby events, along with Fen, a minor secondary character who uses they/them pronouns in this second book.The illustrations are also a delight and really

What a great series! The second book does not disappoint. Told from Shelly point of view this time, she struggles to find her place on the team as everyone else seems to have a clear role. Shelly's imagination and creativity definitely shine, even as her plans to stand out and be the "star skater" fail hopelessly. I love the teamwork and friendship between the Derby Daredevils, especially when there are bumps in the relationships. This series is full of heart, strength, and character. The illust...

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.I really enjoyed the first Derby Daredevils title and I was so excited to get a read Shelly’s story in Shelly Struggles to Shine. Her story is full of teamwork, girl power, self-esteem and figuring out who you really are. I loved seeing the Daredevils continue to grow in their friendship and I am hoping to see more of their individual stories in the future. It is also so nice seeing the diversity in these books too (...

Book 2 of the Derby Daredevils highlights Shelley. She's not the fastest, or the best at hitting, or the strategy mastermind. She sees the strengths that her four friends and teammates have, but can't see that see has a unique strength. I found Shelly's quest to make things to stand out while fitting in very relatable. She's trying so hard, but making it harder on herself in the process. I think it will resonate with a lot of young people, As a roller derby player, I appreciate the setting of th...

Just as much action, heart, and humor as the first book in the series. Great for young readers who are learning what it means to be an individual, and how to fit your strengths into a group dynamic. The illustrations match the excitement of the story and add an additional layer of personality. It was fun to get to know the Daredevils from a different character's perspective, and I look forward to Book Three!

3.5