Synopses & Reviews
After five months of sheer absolute craziness I was going back to being plain old background D.J. In photographs of course Im always in the background . . . But it turns out other folks have big plans for D.J. Like her coach. College scouts. All the town hoops fans. A certain Red Bend High School junior whos keen for romance and karaoke. Not to mention Brian Nelson, who she should not be thinking about! Who she is done with, thank you very much. But who keeps showing up anyway . . .
Readers first fell in love with straight-talking D. J. Schwenk in Dairy Queen; they followed her ups and downs both on and off the court in The Off Season. Now D. J.steps out from behind the free-throw line in this final installment of the Dairy Queen trilogy.
Review
“Fourteen-year-old Sarah discovers first love and family secrets in this sweet-as-a-cookie Dairy Queen companion for slightly younger readers.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A sweet story about family and love, which should appeal to tween readers of Wendy Mass.”—Booklist
"[A] funny and sweet coming-of-age story from the author of Dairy Queen. . . [Sarah’s] narrative voice, a winning blend of humor, enthusiasm, and insecurity, will resonate strongly with tween girls, and the journal format will also appeal.”—School Library Journal
“Sarah’s voice is tart and inquisitive, and her observations make the pilgrimage come alive.”—The Horn Book Magazine
“Sarah tells her story in the form of journal entries, and her voice is authentically tween as she tries to sort through the complicated turns her life is taking. . . . Give this to fans of Frances O'Roark Dowell and the younger siblings of those who enjoyed the Dairy Queen trilogy.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Review
"The particulars of farm life, high school relationships, and college decisions are imparted with uncommon realism, and Murdock showcases the unexpected drama of everyday characters making mundane but essential life decisions. D.J.s voice is intimate and compelling, her story both universal and unique, familiar and eye-opening. Here is a worthy send-off for a one-of-a-kind character." —
Horn Book "[D.J.'s] self-deprecating and humorous voice is still as fresh the third time around.." —Booklist
"Murdock successfully integrates fresh trials and pressures, well-developed primary and likable peripheral characters, and amusing introspection into the backstory. . .D.J. is ultimately a responsible, realistically flawed, funny, endearing, and strong heroine worth rooting for whether on the court or on the page." —School Library Journal
"Front and Center is a perfect coming of age story and a completely satisfying conclusion to the three-book series." —Jen Robinson's Book Page blog
"This was a great novel with a lot of humor, but also a lot of serious situations, and relatable characters that I loved reading about." —BookDivas.com
"A fantastic end to a terrific series...A+" —Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf blog
"You won't want to miss it." —Abby the Librarian blog
"Front and Center by Catherine Murdock is a satisfying conclusion to the Dairy Queen trilogy with a message that lasts long after you've read the last page. By emphasizing the importance of family, friendship, and support, all of which are sometimes overlooked in young adult literature, this book will motivate its reader to reach out and take risks. —Feed Your Imagination blog
"I havent read the first two books in this series, but I had no problem falling in love with DJ, her family and her friends." —KISS THE BOOK blog
Review
"This funny, touching follow-up to Dairy Queen (2006), a 2007 Best Book for Young Adults, succeeds whether read on its own or as a sequel. . . . D. J. is an easygoing, likable narrator, full of self-deprecating humor and insight, and her struggles, whether they are everyday or life altering, will resonate with teen audiences." —
Booklist, ALA
"More ambitious and wide-ranging than its prequel, The Off Season provides an insightful glimpse into the rewards and challenges of the culture of middle-American farm families. At the same time, it's a broad-strokes portrait of a quintessential tomboy. D.J.'s voice is all her own--strong-minded but insecure, unstructured but witty, practical but emotional--and she is easy to cheer for, whether she's accosting a bully or awkwardly trying to understand the people and relationships that so often confuse her." —Horn Book
"Though D.J. is an enormously likable character, the impact of this book is carried through the action.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The main character is likable…[She] has qualities uniquely her own that readers can relate to, sympathize with and ultimately admire.” —KLIATT
"D.J.'s self-deprecating, down-to-earth voice will draw readers in, even if they have yet to read 'Dairy Queen'." —Minn. StarTribune
"There is action as well as introspection in this story of overcoming adversity...attracting and inspiring...Murdock has another winner." —VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
"The tragicomedy is powerful." —Columbus Dispatch
Synopsis
Family secrets, first love, and the magic of Rome take center stage in Catherine Gilbert Murdocks newest novel for middle grade readers.
Synopsis
Sarah Zorn has had enough with being teased that she and best pal Curtis harbor secret feelings for each other. Allowing everyone to believe they really are an item is the only solution. But pretending proves difficult as stronger feelings emerge. When Sarah's zany but loveable grandmother invites her on a well-timed Roman holiday, Sarah jumps at the chance to discover Italy and escape Wisconsin and the awkward situation with Curtis. The trip holds plenty of surprises for Sarah, however, about the nature of friendship, family secrets, and first love.
This humorous, romantic romp by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, author of the critically-acclaimed Dairy Queen series, is a sweet and easy read, perfect for the middle-school audience.
Synopsis
Fourteen-year-old Sarah Zorn intends to spend the summer with her “boyfriend” Curtis, waiting for a dead calf to decompose in time for the science fair. Her plans are upended when her fake-boyfriend strategy goes awry just as her hippie Grandma Z invites her on a last-minute Roman holiday. As Sarah explores Italy’s ancient wonders, she can’t stop “boy-liking” Curtis . . . or puzzling over her grandmother’s odd behavior. Sarah must learn to navigate the murky waters of first love, friendship, and family with heart and good humor.
Synopsis
This season, D.J. Schwenk steps behind the free-throw line to face the perils of love and life in this highly-anticipated final book of the Dairy Queen trilogy.
Synopsis
Life is looking up for D.J. Schwenk. Shes in eleventh grade, finally. After a rocky summer, shes reconnecting in a big way with her best friend, Amber. Shes got kind of a thing going with Brian Nelson, whos cute and popular and smart but seems to like her anyway. And then theres the fact shes starting for the Red Bend High School football team—the first girl linebacker in northern Wisconsin, probably. Which just shows you cant predict the future. As autumn progresses, D.J. struggles to understand Amber, Schwenk Farm, her relationship with Brian, and most of all her family. As a whole herd of trouble comes her way, she discovers shes a lot stronger than she—or anyone—ever thought.
This hilarious, heartbreaking and triumphant sequel to the critically acclaimed Dairy Queen takes D.J. and all the Schwenks from Labor Day to a Thanksgiving football game that you will never forget.
About the Author
Catherine Murdock grew up on a small farm in Connecticut and now lives in suburban Philadelphia with her husband, two brilliant unicycling children, several cats, and a one-acre yard that she is slowly transforming into a wee, but flourishing ecosystem. She is the author of several books, including the popular Dairy Queen series starring lovable heroine D. J. Schwenk, Princess Ben, and Wisdom's Kiss.