Parents' Guide to

The Off Season

By Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Heartwarming tale starring sporty teen girl.

Book Catherine Murdock School 2008
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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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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?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (7):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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