Dairy Queen

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to communicate their needs or feels overshadowed by the expectations of others. It is a perfect fit for the girl who feels she does not fit the traditional mold of femininity or for any teen grappling with the weight of family silence and secrets. D.J. Schwenk lives on a dairy farm where hard work is the only language anyone speaks. As she trains the rival quarterback and eventually tries out for the football team herself, she begins to find the words she has been missing. This is a grounded, realistic story about self-discovery, breaking gender barriers, and the courage it takes to speak up in a house full of people who have forgotten how to talk. It is highly appropriate for ages 13 and up, offering a refreshing look at identity that values sweat and honesty over glitz.