Dairy Queen

Catherine Gilbert Murdock

When sixteen-year-old D.J. spends her summer managing the family dairy farm and unexpectedly training the quarterback from her school's rival football team, she discovers a passion that changes everything. Inspired by her own athletic abilities and tired of being sidelined, D.J. makes a bold decision to try out for the football team herself—a choice that challenges gender expectations and forces her to navigate the complex social dynamics of her small town. As she pursues her dream on the field, D.J. must contend with skepticism from her community, complications in her personal relationships, and her own doubts about whether she truly belongs in a sport traditionally dominated by boys. Catherine Gilbert Murdock's debut novel captures the determination, humor, and heart of a young woman refusing to be confined by convention, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the courage it takes to forge your own path.