Murdock, C. (2007). Dairy Queen. (p. 288). Graphia. ISBN: 0618863354
Classification:book, fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Age Level: 9th-12th grade
Subjects: coming of age, family, fiction, friends, identity, love story, school, series, sports
Reader's Annotation: Determined to be independent and not to follow the path everyone expects her to follow, fifteen year old D.J. Schwenk tries out for the high school football team -- and she makes it.
Summary: D.J. already had plenty going on in her life. Since her dad hurt his back and her mom took on the principleship at her school in addition to regular teaching duties, D.J. has been the only Schwenk available to run the family's dairy farm. She's not a complainer and no stranger to hard work, but she would like to something unexpected every once in awhile. A family friend, and the coach of the rival football team, offers to get D.J. some help on the farm, in the form of the quarterback from his team. In return, he wants D.J., who has played football with her older brothers for years, to train with Brian and give him pointers. After coaching the rival quarterback all summer, D.J. decides to do the most unexpected thing yet. She tries out for her own high school football team, and makes it.
Reviews / Awards:
Teenreads ReviewCatherine Murdock's Website
Potential Hotspots:
none
Readalikes:
- Deadline by Chris Crutcher
- Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger
This book is a triumph for female athletes, which is something of a rarity in teen literature. Also, D.J. has a work ethic that won't quit, so it's a good choice for those readers who love to read, but feel like they never have time. D.J. is a young protagonist for some older teens, but she bears the weight of so many responsibilities, she feels older than she really is.
Other:
"The Off Season" is the sequel to this book, and it is equally riveting. Catherine Murdock is the sister of Elizabeth Gilbert (of Eat, Pray, Love fame).
Evaluation:
4.5 stars
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