The Off Season

Murdock, Catherine. 2007. THE OFF SEASON. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618686959 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-12]

REVIEW
After a summer as the DAIRY QUEEN, D.J. Schwenk has finally started the eleventh grade. It’s a new year that promises to be big in D.J.’s life…she is reconnecting with her best friend Amber, she is semi-involved with the cute and popular Brian Nelson, and she is the first girl linebacker in northern Wisconsin. Her life is on the right track, until a tragedy strikes. A tragedy that affects her whole family and her whole world. Now D.J. has to prove to herself and everyone else that she can be stronger than she ever imagined possible.

Fans who enjoyed Catherine Murdock’s first novel DAIRY QUEEN will not be disappointed with this sequel. The endearing characters all return to become even more developed and the relationships that were originally introduced continue to grow and deepen. The humor and heartbreak in the story will engage readers and will encourage them to find a hero in a simple small-town girl.

CONNECTIONS
The tragedy that occurred in THE OFF SEASON caused each family member to react differently; however, when it came down to it, they were there for each other. Have readers create a collage of their family members. Find pictures and words that describe and portray the strength of each person and how these characteristics contribute to the wholeness of the family.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by the same author:
Murdock, Catherine Gilbert. DAIRY QUEEN. ISBN 0618683070
Murdock, Catherine Gilbert. PRINCESS BEN. ISBN 0618959718

Other books featuring strong female athletes:
Grover, Lorie Ann. ON POINTE. ISBN 0689865252
Roberts, Kristi. MY THIRTEENTH SEASON. ISBN 0805074953


By Mary D. Buckalo