"A breath of fresh air."
–The New York Times  

"A feel-good young adult novel – and it’s about time!"
– BookSense, #1  Children’s Pick, Summer 2006 

"One of the wisest, richest, most poignant books this reviewer has seen all season."
– VOYA

"A painfully funny novel."
– Kirkus (starred review)

"An engaging coming-of-age story that incorporates family secrets, a major crush, and a hearty dose of football, told by a self-deprecating Wisconsin tomboy."
- People 

"A nearly perfect young adult coming of age novel. . . Catherine Murdock may be the next Judy Blume."
- KCPW, Salt Lake City

"Murdock takes no cheap shots – every character she creates is empathetic."
– Publisher's Weekly (starred review) 

 "A sweet confection of a first novel, as enjoyable as any treat from the real DQ."
– School Library Journal 

"Thanks to D.J.'s folksy candor, Dairy Queen brims with charm."
– Entertainment Weekly (A-) 

 "A glimpse into a way of life that’s virtually invisible in most other young fiction."
– BookPage  

"One of the most winning female characters in recent young-adult novels."
– Cleveland Plain Dealer   

"This accomplished first novel is a true delight -- so funny and down-to-earth you'd never think of it as a 'problem novel,' though D.J. and her family amply illustrate the adage that manure happens."
– Seattle Post Intelligencer 

“A wonderful story that is far from ice-cream – but it still fills your heart with joy!”
– TeensReadToo.com

"This extremely likable narrator invites readers into her confidence and rewards them with an engrossing tale of love, family and football."
- Hornbook 

"D.J.'s unique voice makes the story engaging and fresh. . . . The Schwenk family life is at times heartbreaking, but so realistic that I can’t believe the author isn’t really a football-playing farm girl from Wisconsin."
– Teenreads.com

“While the story builds to a fast-paced ending, the characters linger, working Murdock's magic in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned.”
– Down the Writers’ Path

"Easily one of my favorite books of the year. I WANT MORE."
– BookshelvesofDoom.blog.com  

"Several [students] told me I 'really' needed to read this book. What I did not anticipate was being completely and totally blown away by Natalie Moore's insightful and wholly authentic narration."
– BookMoot

Reader Reviews on Amazon

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