Grace Mendes isn't comfortable in her own skin, but her pillow-fightin' alter ego, Cinderhella, sure is.Grace is a Toronto college student with a history of low self-esteem brought on by years of bullying and a complicated relationship with her stepmother. She lives with her childhood (and only) friend, Callie, who valiantly tries to pull Grace out of her shell by dragging her to a Pillow Fight Federation competition. With nods to the puntastic names seen in roller derby, the sport features bouts between players like Kat Atonic and Rapunchel. Grace quickly falls in love and decides to try it out herself, a decision that sends her on a journey that brings out the powerful person she is but also forces her to reckon with her insecurities when she faces a slew of social media comments. Even as the characters deal with homework, hangovers, and money anxieties outside the ring, this graphic novel with a notably bold color palette introduces readers to the lesser-known world of competitive pillow fighting and the ways it subverts traditional stereotypes around women in sports. Some plot points feel rushed-like Callie's explorations of her sexuality and the single parenthood of one of the pillow fighters-but overall, this is a delightful, inclusive, feminist, coming-of-age sports story. Diversity in sexuality, gender, and race is represented in primary and secondary characters; Grace has brown skin, and Callie reads white.Will win readers' hearts. (Graphic fiction. 14-18)

Gr 10 Up —Grace is struggling with insecurities and a past history of bullying, but her best friend Callie is super supportive. Now in college, Grace and Callie go to class and out for drinks. On a whim, Grace picks up a flier for the Pillow Fight Federation and shows up to a pre-season showdown. The sport's blend of pro-wrestling hijinks with roller-derby vibes enchants Grace, who fantasizes about being a PFF superhero. Though still reserved, she takes a chance and tries out under the fight name "Cinderhella," an homage to her horrible stepmom. Callie excitedly volunteers to promote her on social media. With training, make-up, and experience in the fresh meat showcase against She-Rex, she has an epic main stage fight against Katatonic. Beauty standards, body shaming, and negative social media messages are themes, as are struggling with negative self-talk and finding self-confidence. Grace is Cuban and other characters have a range of skin tones, relationships, and identities. The panels are varied and flow beautifully, with background images setting the scene for the page. Many pages are full-bleed spreads. The colors are sharp with striking, pastel backgrounds and pops of green, hot pink, and teal. The fight scenes are exciting and full of movement. VERDICT A high-interest, empowering read for high school fans of Roller Girl , The Skin I'm In , and Dumplin' .—Jamie Winchell