Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Fifteen-year-old D.J. Schwenk has a lot on her plate these days. Since her father's injury, D.J. has been basically running the family farm with minimal help from her younger brother. A huge football fan, D.J. also takes on training Brian, the quarterback of her school's rival team. While practicing with Brian, D.J. decides that she doesn't just want to do what is expected of her and she is going to try out for her school's football team. A great novel about the struggles of being a teen trying to find oneself, but at the same time having to balance adult responsibilities. A great first novel, this will be a sure hit especially with girls who don't fit into the girly girl scene. D.J. has a great voice and provides great insight into the events that are occuring in her life.