Graphic Novel Review: Just Roll With It illustrated by Veronica Agarwal & written by Lee Durfey-Lavoie

Posted on November 30, 2023 at 6:18 am by Gene Ambaum

Just Roll With It illustrated by Veronica Agarwal & written by Lee Durfey-Lavoie. RH Graphic, 2021. 9781984896995. 336pp. With a few character sheets and notes on how the graphic novel was made at the end (with cats!).

Maggie loves role-playing games. she carries a d20 (a 20-sided die) with her everywhere and uses it to help her make decisions including how to feel about things. When she meets Clara on her first day of sixth grade, she gets a low roll, but eventually they bond over their love of the Chosen book series. As Maggie enjoys her science class, she worries about rumors of a snake lurking outside school, and her d20 rolls are causing her anxiety. Her parents notice her OCD, though Maggie doesn’t want to talk to anyone about it. Throughout the story feels hopeful, like Maggie will eventually be able to rise to the challenge and face what’s happening like the heroes she enjoys playing as and reading about.

There’s a real sense of love that infuses everything about this book, from the drawings to the writing to the role-playing sessions. It’s an extremely kind story despite the bullies. Minor spoiler: I particularly liked what the therapist says at the end of the book, which Agarwal addresses in the author’s notes.