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The Jammer
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.
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.
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2022
7 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Nova Weetman
27 books109 followersNova Weetman wrote short fiction and children’s television before publishing her first YA novel, The Haunting of Lily Frost, in 2014. She lives with her partner, a playwright, and their two children in Brunswick, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 17, 2022
Oh, I only cried about 4 billion times.
The grief is real.
Lovely unusual rep of family and meaningful inclusion of animals.
Great stuff.
The grief is real.
Lovely unusual rep of family and meaningful inclusion of animals.
Great stuff.
December 31, 2022
I have adored every book of Nova Weetman's that I have ever read, but this caused next level crying that involved the hem, sleeves and front of my t-shirt. I now have to change my shirt. Facts.
It's about loss, intense grief, full contact roller derby and growing up, fast, and the writing is consistently beautiful; no fat, no tell, no flat spots. Just perfectly pitched from start to finish.
At page 10, Fred doing a lap of honour for her fallen mother: 'I'm waiting for the usual buzz, but I feel stiff and upright. I can't drop into my body. My skates feel foreign, like I've borrowed some hire ones from the counter and too many feet have shaped them.'
At pages 12 - 13, still at the derby wake: 'I'm sure people are looking at me, wondering why I'm not kneeling. Why I'm the only one still standing. But I'm waiting for Mum to skate on in, black lines painted under her eyes, smiling so hard her mouthguard threatens to pop free. I watch the open roller door like somehow she'll arrive. Late for the party. But there's only summer air blowing in. And without Mum, derby isn't derby. It's just a bunch of people on wheels.'
At page 30: 'Eight months after we moved to Brisbane, Mum was diagnosed and six weeks later she was gone. Hard to love a place that lets you down like that. I'm not sure how Dad and I can fill that house without her. She was the decoration, the flowers, the lamps. Without her, we're only bumping around the edges.'
Just exquisite #loveozmg. She's the Queen for a reason.
It's about loss, intense grief, full contact roller derby and growing up, fast, and the writing is consistently beautiful; no fat, no tell, no flat spots. Just perfectly pitched from start to finish.
At page 10, Fred doing a lap of honour for her fallen mother: 'I'm waiting for the usual buzz, but I feel stiff and upright. I can't drop into my body. My skates feel foreign, like I've borrowed some hire ones from the counter and too many feet have shaped them.'
At pages 12 - 13, still at the derby wake: 'I'm sure people are looking at me, wondering why I'm not kneeling. Why I'm the only one still standing. But I'm waiting for Mum to skate on in, black lines painted under her eyes, smiling so hard her mouthguard threatens to pop free. I watch the open roller door like somehow she'll arrive. Late for the party. But there's only summer air blowing in. And without Mum, derby isn't derby. It's just a bunch of people on wheels.'
At page 30: 'Eight months after we moved to Brisbane, Mum was diagnosed and six weeks later she was gone. Hard to love a place that lets you down like that. I'm not sure how Dad and I can fill that house without her. She was the decoration, the flowers, the lamps. Without her, we're only bumping around the edges.'
Just exquisite #loveozmg. She's the Queen for a reason.
April 1, 2023
Trigger warnings: death of a parent (in the past), cancer, grief, physical injury, hospitalisation of an animal, first period.
Nova Weetman really can do no wrong in the Australian middle grade market. No matter what she writes, it absolutely slaps and this was no exception. Having the story revolve around Fred's grief and sense of loss - of her mother, but also of derby, her community and her friends now that they've left Brisbane behind and are in Melbourne - made for a heartfelt reading experience. The secondary characters shone on the page, and I adored the relationship that develops between Fred and her step-uncle through the maps that he draws her, showing her the neighbourhood through his relationship with her mum as a kid.
Having so much of the story revolve around roller derby is something of an interesting choice for a middle grade audience, but definitely gives the opportunity to include a TON of diversity, and I loved the way that the supportive nature of the derby community shines throughout.
The ending was a tad abrupt for my liking, but on the whole this was delightful.
Nova Weetman really can do no wrong in the Australian middle grade market. No matter what she writes, it absolutely slaps and this was no exception. Having the story revolve around Fred's grief and sense of loss - of her mother, but also of derby, her community and her friends now that they've left Brisbane behind and are in Melbourne - made for a heartfelt reading experience. The secondary characters shone on the page, and I adored the relationship that develops between Fred and her step-uncle through the maps that he draws her, showing her the neighbourhood through his relationship with her mum as a kid.
Having so much of the story revolve around roller derby is something of an interesting choice for a middle grade audience, but definitely gives the opportunity to include a TON of diversity, and I loved the way that the supportive nature of the derby community shines throughout.
The ending was a tad abrupt for my liking, but on the whole this was delightful.
May 4, 2023
Another absolute gem from Nova Westman! Be ready to cry!
February 11, 2023
😭😭 Nova Weetman is a master of her craft
May 16, 2025
They live in Queensland, but had been moving around for years. Her mum decided they should settle down in Brisbane. Fred and her mother are in a Roller Derby team. Fred or Dead is her Derby name. Her mother has always skated and she coaches their team. During their major game at the end of the season her mum breaks her leg. Thats when everything changes for her family. The leg aches Fred’s mum has been suffering for months, is cancer.
After her mums passing, Fred and her Dad go on a road trip to Victoria. That’s where Fred’s mother had lived as a child. Her Uncle Graham greets them with his walking stick and a hug. Her father still cries a lot. It’s only been a couple of weeks since her mum died. Fred is angry and doesn’t want to talk about her mum.
Uncle Graham has a lot of animals. Mary and Tom the dogs, he has cats and goldfish to keep him company.
Because Fred doesn’t know the area, and she wants to walk around and find shops and take Mary and Tom for a walk. Uncle Graham makes her detailed maps. The maps have editions to give her clues to events that happened to her mother in her childhood. She found a skating rink and kids skating. She meets Sammy with his little mouse he carries in his pocket. Fred evaded his questions about Derby but hinted she knew more because she knew his moves.
Her father started doing odd jobs for a friend he knew when he met her mother. Her name was Max and had a Derby name Maxxed Out too. She’d met her mother and they’d skated together.
Fred gave up Derby when her mother died and threw her skates and gear into Brisbane River before they left for Victoria. The team Max plays in is also the team Sammy plays in. They are having an end of season fund raiser. Fred says she won’t go, even though Sammy says she should skate. Max wants her to as well. Fred’s dad is manning the BBQ. When the Jammer for Sammy’s team is injured, he begs Fred to fill in.
When Fred does skate, all her derby skills come back to her. She finds herself enjoying being part of the team. Now the thought of going back to Queensland is not what she wants. Staying with her family and new friends is more important. She is back to being a Jammer, and loving it.
After her mums passing, Fred and her Dad go on a road trip to Victoria. That’s where Fred’s mother had lived as a child. Her Uncle Graham greets them with his walking stick and a hug. Her father still cries a lot. It’s only been a couple of weeks since her mum died. Fred is angry and doesn’t want to talk about her mum.
Uncle Graham has a lot of animals. Mary and Tom the dogs, he has cats and goldfish to keep him company.
Because Fred doesn’t know the area, and she wants to walk around and find shops and take Mary and Tom for a walk. Uncle Graham makes her detailed maps. The maps have editions to give her clues to events that happened to her mother in her childhood. She found a skating rink and kids skating. She meets Sammy with his little mouse he carries in his pocket. Fred evaded his questions about Derby but hinted she knew more because she knew his moves.
Her father started doing odd jobs for a friend he knew when he met her mother. Her name was Max and had a Derby name Maxxed Out too. She’d met her mother and they’d skated together.
Fred gave up Derby when her mother died and threw her skates and gear into Brisbane River before they left for Victoria. The team Max plays in is also the team Sammy plays in. They are having an end of season fund raiser. Fred says she won’t go, even though Sammy says she should skate. Max wants her to as well. Fred’s dad is manning the BBQ. When the Jammer for Sammy’s team is injured, he begs Fred to fill in.
When Fred does skate, all her derby skills come back to her. She finds herself enjoying being part of the team. Now the thought of going back to Queensland is not what she wants. Staying with her family and new friends is more important. She is back to being a Jammer, and loving it.
May 3, 2023
I feel like I start a lot of Children’s Book Week nominees with this preface, but: the dog doesn’t die. Now that’s out there, onto the actual book.
This is a middle grade set right in the height of grief for out MC, just after her mother dies of cancer. Now nothing feels the same, and she doesn’t want to do her favourite thing; roller derby; without her mother cheering her on. Too many painful memories burst into her mind, and she doesn’t know how to deal with them beyond pressing them down and pretending they aren’t there. And then her dad takes them down to Melbourne to meet her mother’s step-brother and a bunch of old derby friends to share stories and Fred doesn’t want a bar of it. Her body’s changing too, and she wants to pretend nothing has changed and everything is still as it used to be.
As you can tell, there’s a lot to unpack in this story. Primarily it’s about dealing with loss, but the MC doesn’t know that. She’s trying to find her place in the world, and slowly connecting with people in a really authentic way which was the best part of the story. Building those friendships and connections as she found a community to support her was amazing.
I didn’t find it super sad, though it did have its moments. Mostly it was a sweet story about a girl and her dad trying to keep on when their world felt like it ended.
This is a middle grade set right in the height of grief for out MC, just after her mother dies of cancer. Now nothing feels the same, and she doesn’t want to do her favourite thing; roller derby; without her mother cheering her on. Too many painful memories burst into her mind, and she doesn’t know how to deal with them beyond pressing them down and pretending they aren’t there. And then her dad takes them down to Melbourne to meet her mother’s step-brother and a bunch of old derby friends to share stories and Fred doesn’t want a bar of it. Her body’s changing too, and she wants to pretend nothing has changed and everything is still as it used to be.
As you can tell, there’s a lot to unpack in this story. Primarily it’s about dealing with loss, but the MC doesn’t know that. She’s trying to find her place in the world, and slowly connecting with people in a really authentic way which was the best part of the story. Building those friendships and connections as she found a community to support her was amazing.
I didn’t find it super sad, though it did have its moments. Mostly it was a sweet story about a girl and her dad trying to keep on when their world felt like it ended.
March 22, 2023
I wish to report an assault: This book hit me repeatedly and unrepentantly in the feels and made me cry. I do not appreciate being made to cry in the workplace.
Fred live and breathes Roller Derby. She's been skating since she could walk and Derby has been a constant in her nomadic life up and down the East coast of Australia with her Dad and her equally Derby mad Mum. When Fred's world is turned upside-down she has to deal with a lot of changes and it seems like skating is something she needs to leave in the past, but maybe that is the one thing she needs most?
I loved how ordinary the settings and characters of this story are, and it is more relatable because of it. There isn't anything glamorous about Weetman's writing and I love it. Fred's Dad and uncle Graham are kind but awkward at expressing themselves. Fred is sad and angry and confused at her own feelings. The settings are ordinary places - a skate park, an old weatherboard house in the suburbs, a run-down sports centre, or public spaces an audience would be able to recognise (how many Victorian kids haven't been on a trip to the Melbourne Museum?).
I absolutely adored this story and will eventually forgive it for it's emotional assault. Highly recommended for 10+ audience.
TW: Parental death.
Fred live and breathes Roller Derby. She's been skating since she could walk and Derby has been a constant in her nomadic life up and down the East coast of Australia with her Dad and her equally Derby mad Mum. When Fred's world is turned upside-down she has to deal with a lot of changes and it seems like skating is something she needs to leave in the past, but maybe that is the one thing she needs most?
I loved how ordinary the settings and characters of this story are, and it is more relatable because of it. There isn't anything glamorous about Weetman's writing and I love it. Fred's Dad and uncle Graham are kind but awkward at expressing themselves. Fred is sad and angry and confused at her own feelings. The settings are ordinary places - a skate park, an old weatherboard house in the suburbs, a run-down sports centre, or public spaces an audience would be able to recognise (how many Victorian kids haven't been on a trip to the Melbourne Museum?).
I absolutely adored this story and will eventually forgive it for it's emotional assault. Highly recommended for 10+ audience.
TW: Parental death.
January 17, 2023
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
I am officially one of Nova Weetman's biggest fans. Every single time I am just in awe of her characters. 'Sick Bay' and 'Elsewhere Girls' got me good. SO GOOD.
Also this was exactly what I wanted at the exact right time. I literally bought roller skates a couple of weeks ago and I AM SO EXCITED YOU GUYSSSS.
So maybe it was combination of my absolute giddiness over skating and how amazing Nova's writing is but yep, this was a good one.
The way Nova talks about grief, about family, friendships and life. It gets me right in the heartstrings, and I live for it. Everyone experiences grief, so it's so important to talk about, and when it is talked about, it can be done in a positive uplifting way. I think so many books miss that, and especially for young readers, it's so important to show that grief is not a one-size-fits-all thing. It's not. It hurts, and it hurts in various ways, and can have various impacts on your life.
So long story short, I can see myself reading Nova's works forever and ever because I absolutely adore them and I think her writing has and will continue to have a big (positive!) impact on young readers.
I am officially one of Nova Weetman's biggest fans. Every single time I am just in awe of her characters. 'Sick Bay' and 'Elsewhere Girls' got me good. SO GOOD.
Also this was exactly what I wanted at the exact right time. I literally bought roller skates a couple of weeks ago and I AM SO EXCITED YOU GUYSSSS.
So maybe it was combination of my absolute giddiness over skating and how amazing Nova's writing is but yep, this was a good one.
The way Nova talks about grief, about family, friendships and life. It gets me right in the heartstrings, and I live for it. Everyone experiences grief, so it's so important to talk about, and when it is talked about, it can be done in a positive uplifting way. I think so many books miss that, and especially for young readers, it's so important to show that grief is not a one-size-fits-all thing. It's not. It hurts, and it hurts in various ways, and can have various impacts on your life.
So long story short, I can see myself reading Nova's works forever and ever because I absolutely adore them and I think her writing has and will continue to have a big (positive!) impact on young readers.
April 12, 2023
Fred loves Roller derby. She lives for it and can hardly remember not being able to Roller skate. Her mum taught her as soon as she could walk. Fred’s family moves a lot, and Roller derby gives Fred and her family an extended family wherever they move to.
Fred’s mother is dead, and Fred can’t decide what to wear to the funeral, so she pulls on her favourite baggy T-shirt and black shorts. It hardly seems like her mother got sick, and now she’s gone.
Fred and her father head to Melbourne. Fred’s not so sure she wants to meet people who knew her mother and want to talk about her. She is hurting so much she’s given up Roller Derby because it reminds her of Mum. How does Fred find peace?
This story revolves around the terrible grief a 12-year-old feels after the sudden death of her mother. The grief is dealt with sensitively. Nova Weetman presents a rich and full character in Fred, which means the impact of grief on her life is explored in detail. It is, however, not a morbid book and presents essential insights into grief.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
Fred’s mother is dead, and Fred can’t decide what to wear to the funeral, so she pulls on her favourite baggy T-shirt and black shorts. It hardly seems like her mother got sick, and now she’s gone.
Fred and her father head to Melbourne. Fred’s not so sure she wants to meet people who knew her mother and want to talk about her. She is hurting so much she’s given up Roller Derby because it reminds her of Mum. How does Fred find peace?
This story revolves around the terrible grief a 12-year-old feels after the sudden death of her mother. The grief is dealt with sensitively. Nova Weetman presents a rich and full character in Fred, which means the impact of grief on her life is explored in detail. It is, however, not a morbid book and presents essential insights into grief.
Recommended for readers ten years and older.
December 20, 2022
Our Review…
Fred is an independent and brave young lady on and off the roller derby track. Always putting herself out there to propel her team mates forward, she loves the thrill of the sport, having the passion passed down to her from her Mum.
Fred moves around a lot, and roller derby is a constant in her life that she relies on, as well as the close relationship she has with her parents.
Until everything comes crashing down and Fred can’t imagine how she could ever smile again.
Even though she feels it, Fred will come to realise that she is not alone and is surrounded by people who will hold her in her darkest times.
An emotional and powerful story about grief, loss and love that is just so sensitively written for young hearts.
Nova Weetman has such a beautiful way with words that this one will be perfect for both young and old.
Best for ages 10 plus.
Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books
Fred is an independent and brave young lady on and off the roller derby track. Always putting herself out there to propel her team mates forward, she loves the thrill of the sport, having the passion passed down to her from her Mum.
Fred moves around a lot, and roller derby is a constant in her life that she relies on, as well as the close relationship she has with her parents.
Until everything comes crashing down and Fred can’t imagine how she could ever smile again.
Even though she feels it, Fred will come to realise that she is not alone and is surrounded by people who will hold her in her darkest times.
An emotional and powerful story about grief, loss and love that is just so sensitively written for young hearts.
Nova Weetman has such a beautiful way with words that this one will be perfect for both young and old.
Best for ages 10 plus.
Review by Lydia @ Great Escape Books
April 5, 2023
Fred and her dad are coming to terms with the death of their beloved mother and wife. Fred and her mum were avid roller derby players - their lives revolved around the cut and thrust of the games.
Fred (roller derby name - Fred or Dead) and her mum (Scarer) were a team and now that mum is gone, Fred can't bring herself to get back into the derby game and so she and her dad head to Melbourne to spend some time with Fred's step-uncle Graham.
Whilst things don't go well initially, Fred gradually meets a group of people who want to support her - and help her put her derby boots back on.
Nova Weetman knows how to hit you in the feels - Fred and the supporting cast of characters are real and eminently likable. It is a story of grief and friendship and kindness - but most of all it is a story of hope.
Fred (roller derby name - Fred or Dead) and her mum (Scarer) were a team and now that mum is gone, Fred can't bring herself to get back into the derby game and so she and her dad head to Melbourne to spend some time with Fred's step-uncle Graham.
Whilst things don't go well initially, Fred gradually meets a group of people who want to support her - and help her put her derby boots back on.
Nova Weetman knows how to hit you in the feels - Fred and the supporting cast of characters are real and eminently likable. It is a story of grief and friendship and kindness - but most of all it is a story of hope.
April 9, 2023
Nova Weetman certainly knows how to write captivating novels for young teens and The Jammer was no exception. Fred was a very likeable, relatable character who readers will sympathise with. Even though I had no idea about the skating terms or how a roller derby game was played (and only discovered that the author had included an explanation of the game and its rules after I had finished reading), I could still feel and respect Fred's passion for skating.
I loved the people who supported Fred, especially her uncle Graham who was an absolute sweetheart and such a gentle soul. He was a beautiful man. Sammy was also a delight and was a wonderful friend to Fred.
Overall, The Jammer was an emotional story about grief, family, loss and friendship. A great read.
I loved the people who supported Fred, especially her uncle Graham who was an absolute sweetheart and such a gentle soul. He was a beautiful man. Sammy was also a delight and was a wonderful friend to Fred.
Overall, The Jammer was an emotional story about grief, family, loss and friendship. A great read.
December 29, 2022
This story traces the stages of grief and healing through the eyes of 12 year old Fred. Fred journeys through the ‘in-between’, the times she feels most comfortable (the liminal space before having to face reality) and the times she feels the fizzing, aching pain of loss (the state of grief while uncomfortably feeling flickers of joy or life). Fred comes to realise the best way to hold her mum close is to find her special place and surround herself with her mum through family, old friends and derby.
11+ Years
11+ Years
November 3, 2022
Year 5 +
I'm sitting here a blubbering mess. Nova has done it again!
It encapsulates the derby world so perfectly and the characters were so well developed. Even amongst the heartbreaking loss of a family member there is hope and it's the community you build around you that gets you through those darker moments.
Now to dust of my derby gear... maybe I'm not ready to retire just yet!
This book should be in every school library!
I'm sitting here a blubbering mess. Nova has done it again!
It encapsulates the derby world so perfectly and the characters were so well developed. Even amongst the heartbreaking loss of a family member there is hope and it's the community you build around you that gets you through those darker moments.
Now to dust of my derby gear... maybe I'm not ready to retire just yet!
This book should be in every school library!
March 7, 2023
A great read for middle school about a 12 yr old girl Fred who has a passion for roller derby. Her mum recently passed away so it's her journey to navigate a new world without her mum, and meeting family members who keep mum's memories alive. Facing the approach of puberty and navigating making friends in a new town. Appropriate for yr 4 upwards
April 22, 2023
This took me three tries to get into and two copies of the book. It was just so sad from the beginning and so much angst. Third go I kept going and it was worth it, loved the rollar derby parts and step uncle. Fred even grew on me.
2023 pop sugar reading challenge - book you meant to read in 2022
2023 pop sugar reading challenge - book you meant to read in 2022
December 4, 2022
This was an absolutely delightful read, with a story focused on family, friendship, grief, and knowing who you are. A perfect book for Middle Grade readers!
(While the storyline does centre around a recent grief, this isn't a heavy book - but not dismissively light, either. Just perfect!)
(While the storyline does centre around a recent grief, this isn't a heavy book - but not dismissively light, either. Just perfect!)
October 8, 2022
Probably should’ve had derby rules at the start of the book for all those uneducated people
November 26, 2022
Another gorgeous middle grade novel by Nova Weetman who is the master of middle grade family and friendship. This is a super sweet story about grief (and roller derby!)
December 16, 2022
you can read my review here at https://readingtime.com.au/the-jammer/
March 1, 2023
This is great. Authentic characters and situations- and I learned heaps about roller derby.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews