MIGHTY MILLIE NOVAK

A roller derby–loving teen from the Chicago suburbs faces turmoil and discovers her inner strength.

Millie Novak is a queer, white sophomore who loves dyeing her hair fun colors and struggles with anxiety. Millie’s parents are finally divorcing after years of fighting. She attends school online, and her older brother is away at college, so she’s on a mission to make friends. The one place Millie feels like she’s a part of something bigger is at the rink, playing roller derby. When Millie (aka Dino Might or Mighty) makes it onto the Prairie Skate Juniors team, along with Pumpkin Slice Latte, who’s Latina and her only friend, she’s thrilled. Getting to know Pumpkin better offers Millie a glimpse into the type of friendship she’s been missing ever since leaving public school in sixth grade after being seriously bullied. Pumpkin starts to become a distraction during practices, however, and their friendship begins to hinder Millie’s progress in the sport. By contrast, another teammate, Stork, is a focused athlete who takes an interest in Millie’s growth. Along the way to trying to win the Soy Anything tournament, Millie will need to navigate complicated crushes and friendships. Holden’s debut invites readers into Millie’s fast-paced journey of self-confidence and growth that’s set against the vibrant culture of roller derby, making for a delightful coming-of-age story.

Quirky characters and a swiftly moving plot will keep the pages turning and inspire readers to lace up their own skates.