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Mighty Millie Novak

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Social anxiety, her parents’ divorce, and messy friendships won’t stop Millie’s pursuit of what she wants—in roller derby or in love. But her own lies might . . .

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Social anxiety, her parents’ divorce, and messy friendships won’t stop Millie’s pursuit of what she wants—in roller derby or in love. But her own lies might . . .

Sixteen-year-old Millie Novak is stuck in an “if only” rut. If only she were stronger and faster, maybe her roller derby teammates would take her seriously. If only she had the guts to go back to in-person learning, maybe she’d have a social life. If only she weren’t such an awkward mess, maybe she could get the attention of that cute girl on the all-star derby team. And don’t get her started on her family!

After the one-two punch of her beloved older brother’s departure for college and her parents’ overdue split, Millie decides it’s time to reinvent herself. With the help of her new friend Pumpkin and a little bit of deceit, Millie crafts a plan to cement her status on the team and get her crush to fall for her.

But reinvention isn’t easy. Millie’s constantly shown up by show-off teammate Stork, and the only way she can get her crush’s attention is through increasingly elaborate lies. Worse, she begins to suspect Pumpkin is not the supportive friend she’d imagined. Toughest to handle? Realizing the person she’s in love with might not be her longtime crush, after all.

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Format

Paperback

Social anxiety, her parents’ divorce, and messy friendships won’t stop Millie’s pursuit of what she wants—in roller derby or in love. But her own lies might . . .

Sixteen-year-old Millie Novak is stuck in an “if only” rut. If only she were stronger and faster, maybe her roller derby teammates would take her seriously. If only she had the guts to go back to in-person learning, maybe she’d have a social life. If only she weren’t such an awkward mess, maybe she could get the attention of that cute girl on the all-star derby team. And don’t get her started on her family!

After the one-two punch of her beloved older brother’s departure for college and her parents’ overdue split, Millie decides it’s time to reinvent herself. With the help of her new friend Pumpkin and a little bit of deceit, Millie crafts a plan to cement her status on the team and get her crush to fall for her.

But reinvention isn’t easy. Millie’s constantly shown up by show-off teammate Stork, and the only way she can get her crush’s attention is through increasingly elaborate lies. Worse, she begins to suspect Pumpkin is not the supportive friend she’d imagined. Toughest to handle? Realizing the person she’s in love with might not be her longtime crush, after all.

Copyright: 2024
Page Count: 304
Trim Size: 5.25 x 8
Rights Territory: Worldwide
Lexile: HL660L
Categories:
YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / LGBTQ+
YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Sports & Recreation / General
YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age

Like Millie, Elizabeth Holden is an avid roller derby player, a blocker with Madison Roller Derby since 2015. Liz’s league-mates know her as Auntie Matter; her derby name is a reference to her job teaching college physics. (And, yes, she is also an aunt. Hi, William and Hugo!) When not busy writing, playing derby, or teaching, Liz is most likely leading international trips with her company, Leaping Hound Travel. Liz also co-hosts an X-Files podcast, We Want to Believe, with her sister. Liz’s tattoos are vibrant and numerous, her laugh is loud, and her heart belongs to her pet greyhounds. Learn more about her at elizabeth-holden.com.

Reviews and Awards

“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.” —Kirkus Reviews

“While the story involves serious topics like divorce, identity, and bullying, the tone is lightened by the derby girls’ names, like Ann Archy and Impaylor Swift. Millie is relatable in her anxiety and confusion, and readers will enjoy the ride.” —Booklist

“This coming-of-age debut featuring a beautifully flawed queer-identifying protagonist endeavoring to succeed in a largely underrepresented sport will likely be enjoyed by readers beginning their roller derby journey or those who can’t get enough of it, as well as those curious to know more about derby culture.” —School Library Journal

“An original, deftly crafted, and fun read from start to finish, Mighty Millie Novak by Elizabeth Holden will hold special appeal for young readers with an interest in romance and coming of age fiction stories. . . . [E]specially and unreservedly recommended for middle school, highschool, and community librar[ies].” —Midwest Book Review

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