by Robin Anderson, Green Bean Books
You may know author and illustrator Victoria Jamieson from her picture books ”Pest in Show”, “Olympig!”, and “Bea Rocks the Flock.” She also teaches children’s book illustration at Pacific Northwest College of Art. This March marks the release of Jamieson’s latest work, “Roller Girl,” a graphic novel for kids about roller derby and coming of age set in Portland.
How did you start playing roller derby?
I first learned about roller derby, fittingly, through a book. I read “Derby Girl” by Shauna Cross. I was living in New York at the time, so I went to see a Gotham Girls Roller Derby bout and was instantly hooked. I bought skates and started practicing the next week.
What makes roller derby stand out from other sports?
I love the message of empowerment that derby encourages. Portland’s league, the Rose City Rollers, has in its mission statement to “develop women of attitude, athleticism, and passion,” and I’ve definitely found that to be true. The growing popularity of junior derby around the world is exciting to me, as it carries the same message of empowerment to young women and girls.
Have you taught derby camp? If so, how has working with kids there influenced your book?
I used to help coach the Seedlings, which is the training program for the Rose City Rollers’ junior league, the Rosebuds. I also coached an after-school running program. Both experiences were inspirational to me, as I watched young women conquer intimidating physical challenges! At the same time, they were dealing with problems at home or with their peers. I began to think that roller derby could be a good vehicle for telling a story; the bumps and bruises of roller derby as a metaphor for adolescence.
“Roller Girl” is set here in Portland. Which Portland spots were you happiest to include?
It was really fun drawing the Hangar, the home venue and practice space of the Rose City Rollers. The Hangar is right behind Oaks Amusement Park, so that was a great location to include as well. I was also glad to include a scene on the Springwater Corridor.
Roller derby players use pun-filled names, like your characters Rainbow Bite and Braidy Punch. What’s your derby name and why?
I wanted to find a derby name that related to children’s books. My runner-up name was Encyclopedia Frown, but I ended up choosing Winnie the Pow. Cute yet powerful, with good nickname possibilities!
Which character in “Roller Girl” do you relate to most?
There are parts of me in all of the characters. Some of the stories of the main character, Astrid, are from my own childhood. However, I was not as headstrong or as independent as Astrid, even though I wanted to be. I was probably more like her best friend, Nicole, quieter and introverted.
Roller derby is introduced to Astrid through one of her mother’s Evenings of Cultural Enlightenment (ECE). Some of these evenings went over better than others. What were your most memorable ECEs as a child?
How did you know that was also taken from my own childhood?! My dad used to play a classical music record, and my brothers and I would have to rate it on a scale from 1-10 before we could go play. I found a thoughtful, “Hmmm, I give it an 8.3” would often get me off the hook. Another favorite was the Phildelphia Art Museum. It was free on Sunday mornings, so we would go there every week before having breakfast at my Aunt Mabel’s house. I don’t know if it was the art or the sticky buns, but I really enjoyed those Sundays.
In “Roller Girl,” Astrid often feels like she doesn’t fit in. Not with her former best friend, and not with her campmates either. What advice do you have for girls like Astrid?
This is probably the most difficult question to answer, because sometimes in those situations there IS no easy or quick solution. In 7th and 8th grade I had a hard time finding friends in my new school after my family moved from Philadelphia to Florida. I focused on things I enjoyed and was good at. Eventually I made good friends who shared my interests, but it took time to find them. I guess my advice would be to hang in there and keep doing what makes you happy, eventually you will find your tribe.
Robin Anderson loves sharing books for readers of all ages at Green Bean Books and Powell’s Books. Originally from outside of Buffalo, NY, she is proud to call Portland home.
