Roll

Winner of the 2018 Burr/Worzalla Award * A CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center) Choices 2018 Pick * A Bank Street Best Children's Book of 2017

A hilariously funny and poignant debut novel, perfect for fans of Jerry Spinelli, Kat Yeh, Gary D. Schmidt, and Rebecca Stead.

When Lauren (but call him “Ren,” pretty please) Hall sees birds falling from the sky, he knows something is wrong. But just as he’s starting to worry, he realizes that the birds are plummeting toward the ground on purpose.

Turns out they’re Birmingham Roller Pigeons, and his new neighbor Sutton is training them for a competition.

Sure, it’s strange, but Ren’s best and only friend Aiden has picked this summer to start hanging with the popular kids. So Ren starts training pigeons with Sutton—what’s the worst that could happen? A bird falls on his head?

You’ll have to read Roll to find out.

“A distinctive and memorable narrative. Readers will cheer on awkward, quirky Ren as he, like the pigeons, learns to roll with it.” - Publishers Weekly

“It’s refreshing to have a sensitive male protagonist in a story about relationships. Information about raising and flying roller pigeons sprinkled throughout will likely introduce readers to a hobby they haven’t encountered before. A fresh take on a familiar challenge: a friend who develops a teen body and interests more quickly.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Miller’s debut soars and dives among the complex emotions that accompany growing up and genuine friendship.” - Booklist

“Readers will delight in Sutton’s fierce honesty and Ren’s geeky selfdiscoveries [and will] have very little trouble rolling with the human characters—and the pigeons. Plus, we learn about Birmingham Roller pigeons. How cool is that?” - Horn Book Magazine

“It’s a refreshing change to see middle-school angst about friendship changes from a boy...[an] understanding story about growing pains and owning your own identity.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“It’s refreshing...A fresh take on a familiar challenge.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Roll is a great summer book for pigeon fanciers—or any young reader who fancies a good story.” - BookPage.com