Veronica Agarwal’s Just Roll With It is a sweet story of friendship and overcoming difficulties. Lee Durfey-Lavoie’s illustrations are an excellent complement to Agarwal’s story. The majority of the characters are supportive and understanding and it’s great to see main character Maggie learn and grow. Of course, there are a few antagonists who add conflict and interest to the plot. The beginning of the story is a little confusing but if you’re patient, further details will be given later on to clear things up.
It’s great that author Veronica Agarwal addresses mental health, specifically OCD. I’m sure the story will resonate with many readers like Maggie, and hopefully help them better understand themselves in order to get the help they need. If you’re looking for a quick read with more substance than a typical graphic novel, especially if you’re into RPGs (role playing games) Just Roll With It might be the perfect choice for you.
Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy provided by Penguin Random House.
Content Review:
Profanity/Language: 6 religious exclamations. (Note: 5 five additional religious exclamation acronyms (OMG).)
Violence/Gore: Several (15) brief incidents including characters teasing others about getting hurt; character imagining that if she doesn’t do certain things she or others will die or get hurt; fighting in a game; animal at a zoo could kill others; reference to fighting a monster in a game; second-hand report of a bike getting damaged; second-hand report of an animal getting hurt; bullies hurting and pushing others.
Sex/Nudity: Few (3) brief incidents including characters holding hands; homosexual characters.
Mature Themes:
Homosexual characters
Drug/Alcohol use:
None
