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The Off Season (by Catherine Murdock)

common sense media says

Heartwarming tale starring sporty teen girl.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there is discussion of girls being lesbians, underage drinking, and dealing with a disability. There is also some teen kissing and romance.

Positive messages: Situations that test friendships, social standing, and a family are portrayed with honesty and integrity.
Violence: A football player is injured after taking a hit during a game.
Sex: A teen couple makes out; a lesbian couple is caught in bed, but were only actually sleeping. A mother is upset her daughter "can't keep her hands off" her boyfriend and fears she will get pregnant. A teen couple is accused of fooling around when one stays out all night.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Teens and adults drink alcohol.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Off Season

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the importance of being a leader and a true friend. What personal strengths did each character portray? What weakness did they show? What strengths or weaknesses do you identify with or see in yourself?

What's the story?

What's the story?
D.J. Schwenk started off having a pretty good year. She and her best friend Amber were talking again, she was spending more quality time with Brian, and she was playing some great football for Red Bend High School's varsity squad. When a heap of trouble heads her way D.J. finds strength and courage to face some of the toughest things she and her family have ever gone through.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
In this follow-up to the popular Dairy Queen, Catherine Murdock really captures the essence of what it means to be a teen girl. A 6' tall girl linebacker, D.J's pretty unusual alright, but she is also honest, funny, hardworking, loyal, and so personable that every girl can find a little bit of themselves in her. The characters are a lovable bunch and readers will quickly fall in love with the whole Schwenk family.

Murdock's storytelling ability brings something really fresh and cool to the teen school genre. There's angst, but there is also strength that transcends many of the difficult situations.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Catherine Murdock
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date: March 18, 2008
Number of pages: 288
Hardcover price: $16.00
Paperback price: $8.99
Read Aloud: 12
Read Alone: 12
This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

amyloo
teen, 15 years old
13
 
dramatic holidays
this is a great book based on a girls life on a farm who is a footballer and her brother recieves an injury whilst playing football and she is sent tot look after him and be with him in hospital because her mum has injured her back. when he becomes bettre he takes her down to do some basketball training after she injured her shoulder and camn no longer play football
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
lgr0927
teen, 16 years old
14
 
Worth it.
This book is great for high school students. It is a really god book with a good message to all young girls. Its teaches you how to be a good role model and not be afraid to take your spotlight
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
mily ily
teen, 15 years old
14
 
INTERESTING
i think this book is really good and interesting:)
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
BOOKlover SMILES
teen, 15 years old
13
 
LOVED this book!!!!!!!
This was an amazing book! Catherine Murdock is now one of my fave authors. I highly suggest you read the first book "Dairy Queen" before reading this one.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (2)

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines