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Derby Girl | 
 enlarge | Author: Shauna Cross
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy New: $9.65
You Save: $7.30 (43%)
New (30) Used (7) Collectible (1) from $9.65
Avg. Customer Rating:  11 reviews
Sales Rank: 74685
Media: Hardcover
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.9
ISBN: 0805080236
EAN: 9780805080230
ASIN: 0805080236
Publication Date: September 4, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: perfect condition, ARC paperback, Enjoy fast shipping and the benifits of a small-scale seller.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Meet Bliss Cavendar, a blue haired, indie-rock loving misfit stuck in the tiny town of Bodeen, Texas.
Her pageant-addicted mother expects her to compete for the coveted Miss Blue Bonnet crown, but Bliss would rather feast on roaches than be subjected to such rhinestone tyranny.
Bliss’ escape? Take up Roller Derby.
When she discovers a league in nearby Austin, Bliss embarks on an epic journey full of hilarious tattooed girls, delicious boys in bands, and a few not-so-awesome realities even the most bad-assed derby chick has to learn.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 6 more reviews...
 Not a derby fan? You should be! July 1, 2008
Bliss is a 16-year-old girl who lives in a tiny town with a mother who is obsessed with beauty pageants. Bliss, who is much more comfortable in thrift store clothes and sneakers, is like an anti-beauty queen. And once she discovers roller derby, she's like Barbie gone bad.
Bliss hasn't been on skates for years, but after a wobbly start (which I could so relate to), she finds her balance (and her derby persona, Babe Ruthless) and is soon jamming and blocking with the rest of the team. Here's a quote: "At practice, the humiliation factor decreases as my skating improves. Even though I'm covered in bruises, aka 'derby kisses,' I feel surprisingly proud of what I'm learning to do. (It's so weird; I'm kind of like a jock.)" Ha! Every derby girl knows what those 'derby kisses' are all about.
Set against the backdrop of Austin's derby scene, Bliss has many experiences that average teens will recognize--clueless parents, first love, and BFF issues. Through it all, Bliss understands herself and is not afraid to stand up for who she is and what she needs. Her independence and sarcastic wit hooked me right away.
 The Greatest Sport On Wheels May 24, 2008
I loved this book! In fact I couldn't put it down, I read the whole thing in one day, and now I'm bummed that it's over. I love roller derby, I go to EVERY bout in my hometown, Austin, TX, and I'm counting the days till the next one. I think for me it was great to read a book that not only reminds me of me when I was 16 (although my parents were way cooler) but takes place in my hometown. Besides the personal sentiment, I think the book was well writen and funny. I'll probably read it again.
How Can One Not Love Roller Derby? April 9, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I picked this book up when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a believable and engaging story and the characters are hip and fun. Ms. Cross' insight into the world of roller derby is priceless as we follow Bliss Cavender on her journey becoming derby sensation Babe Ruthless.
If you are looking for a quick and exciting read, pick up Derby Girl. You don't need to be a fan of roller derby to appreciate this book, but how could you not be?
A funny, light-hearted teen read February 20, 2008
I loved this book. Bliss and her best friend, Pash, are hip hilarious characters. The teen storyline is fresh, yet realistic. I loved the roller derby setting and Shauna Cross nailed it on the way the sport makes a girl feel. I can't wait to see the movie! (Whip It! is being directed by Drew Barrymore)
Courtesy of Teens Read Too February 6, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
While wandering through the young adult section of my local library, I came across DERBY GIRL. I had seen the book in the bookstore on other occasions but never bought it. I picked it up at the library and took it home with me. Not knowing what to expect, I started reading, and was instantly enthralled by the life of Bliss Cavender.
Fans of A&E's Rollergirls will especially enjoy this book.
Bliss is too big for Bodeen, Texas. Bliss is a sixteen-year-old high school student that can't wait to get out of her small town. Her mom is obsessed with beauty pageants, and expects Bliss to follow in her footsteps. However, Bliss is better known for receiving the "certificate of participation" rather than the tiara. She is more comfortable in her 80's thrift store T-shirts rather than teased hair and evening gowns.
On a shopping trip to the big city of Austin, Bliss snags a flyer advertising Roller Derby. In her younger days, Bliss was pretty good on four wheels, and she hatches a plot with her friend, Pash, to sneak back to Austin (an hour from Bodeen) for try-outs. After a shaky start on skates, Bliss soon remembers the feel of the wheels under her feet and is totally addicted.
Sneaking out twice a week under the guise of an SAT-prep course, Bliss soon becomes Babe Ruthless and a fan favorite for the Austin Roller Derby scene.
Covering the topics of fitting in, parental disagreements, first love, and finding out who you are meant to be, DERBY GIRL does not disappoint. The story moves quickly without any needless sidelines to interrupt the plot. Ms. Cross's style is hip and spunky. She uses many slang phrases as well as abbreviations to keep in touch with the teen audience.
Bliss is a lot of fun and independent. It's refreshing to read a story where the lead character is comfortable with who she is meant to be and stays true to herself the entire way through the story.
Reviewed by: Jaglvr
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