Set against the backdrop of roller derby, The Jammer is a poignant story of broken bones and healing hearts

Fred has moved around her whole life, one small town after another, and never minded starting over. She’s always had her mum, her dad, and her love of roller derby. On the track she’s Fred or Dead, the star jammer, a gun at smashing through a line of bodies and scoring for her team. 

But Fred’s life has fallen apart, and now she can’t imagine ever putting her skates on again. 

On a road trip to Melbourne with her dad, Fred meets a bunch of people who think they know what’s best for her. And although Fred tries to avoid it, roller derby has a way of barging back into her life. A true jammer could push through anything, but Fred doesn’t know who she is anymore. 

What do you do when the thing that could save you is the thing that hurts the most? 

‘‘Nova Weetman is the new-generation Judy Blume.’’

Rebecca Sparrow

‘‘Nova Weetman's powerful portrayal of the awkwardness of early youth and the changes it brings, demands attention be given to the anxiety and angst experienced by teenagers trying to fit in.’’

Kids Book Review