3.74
Part of "Dairy Queen" series
"Dairy Queen" by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is a heartwarming and humorous coming-of-age story that will appeal to both young adults and adults. The novel centers around D.J. Schwenk, a 16-year-old girl who has spent her entire life working on her family's dairy farm in Wisconsin. When the novel begins, D.J.'s life is turned upside down when the starting quarterback of the high school football team breaks his collarbone, and the coach asks D.J. to step in and lead the team to victory. D.J. agrees, despite the fact that she knows nothing about football and has always been more comfortable working with cows than people. As D.J. navigates the world of high school football, she also grapples with issues of family, friendship, and identity. She must come to terms with her complicated relationship with her father, who has been distant since her mother's death, and find a way to connect with her two older brothers, who have both left the farm to pursue their own dreams. Murdock's writing is sharp and witty, and she has a knack for creating memorable and relatable characters. D.J. is a strong and determined protagonist who is easy to root for, and the supporting cast of characters, including D.J.'s best friend Amber and her love interest Brian, are well-developed and engaging. One of the strengths of "Dairy Queen" is its depiction of rural life. Murdock captures the rhythms and challenges of farm life with authenticity and affection, and D.J.'s love for the land and the animals she cares for is palpable. "Dairy Queen" is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, family, and community. It is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place. The novel is the first in a series, and readers will be eager to follow D.J.'s journey as she continues to grow and change...
Jodi Lynn Anderson
Peaches
This is a heartwarming and poignant story about three girls from different backgrounds who come together to form an unlikely friendship. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of family, identity, and self-discovery, and features a strong, relatable female protagonist.
Learn MoreSue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees
This is a powerful and uplifting novel about a young girl who runs away from her abusive home to find a new life with a group of beekeeping sisters. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of family, identity, and self-discovery, and features a strong, resilient female protagonist.
Learn MoreJerry Spinelli
Stargirl
This is a heartwarming and uplifting novel about a non-conformist girl who changes the lives of those around her. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of identity, individuality, and self-discovery, and features a strong, unique female protagonist.
Learn MoreLaurie Halse Anderson
Speak
This is a powerful and thought-provoking novel about a young girl who is trying to find her voice after being raped. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of trauma, healing, and self-discovery, and features a strong, resilient female protagonist.
Learn MoreJohn Green
An Abundance of Katherines
This is a witty and intelligent novel about a young man who is trying to find his place in the world after being dumped by his 19th Katherine. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery, and features a strong, relatable male protagonist.
Learn MoreJohn Green
The Fault in Our Stars
This is a heart-wrenching and poignant novel about two teenage cancer patients who fall in love. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery, and features strong, relatable characters.
Learn MoreJohn Green
Looking for Alaska
This is a thought-provoking and moving novel about a young man who is trying to find himself after the death of his enigmatic classmate. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery, and features strong, relatable characters.
Learn MoreJohn Green
Paper Towns
This is a witty and intelligent novel about a young man who goes on a road trip to find the girl of his dreams. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery, and features strong, relatable characters.
Learn MoreStephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This is a powerful and moving novel about a young man who is trying to find his place in the world. Like 'Dairy Queen', this book explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery, and features strong, relatable characters.
Learn More