The National Roller Derby League wasn't founded until 1950, but two pioneering women paved the way for the sports' emerging popularity in the 1940s. "Glamour girl" Gerry Murray and roller derby villain Toughie Brasuhn built up a rivalry so thrillingly potent that soon they were slamming and jamming in front of sold-out audiences in New York City. Macy tells the dramatized story of their success and one eventful night at the track in short, descriptive lines that read like free-verse poetry: "Smash. / Gerry rams Toughie hard toward the padded railing / at the top of the banked track." Meanwhile, Collins' dynamic paintings depict roller derby action with exaggerated perspectives, bringing home the perilous tension whenever Toughie and Gerry teeter on their skates, tumble headfirst from the track, or dangle off a railing in front of a rolling camera. With the growing popularity of roller derby today, young fans of the sport will appreciate this revealing glimpse into the history of two of its first celebrities. A time line and further reading make this informative, too.

Macy recounts the real-life rivalry of Midge "Toughie" Brasuhn and the "glamour girl" Gerry Murray by depicting a televised 1948 Roller Derby event. After all the elbowing and smashing, a final spread reveals two respectful grins ("Every hero needs a villain. And every villain needs a worthy opponent"). Painterly, vintage-feeling art suits the setting. An author's note adds historical context. Reading list, timeline, websites.