Dairy Queen

Back to Normal, More or Less

In this book even from the very start DJ has a strong sense of loyalty to her family and sacrifices a lot for them. After her father's injury and the absence of her brothers, DJ gives up important aspects of her life to keep her family dairy farm alive. DJ states that "It killed me having to quit basketball, and spend all spring knowing track was going on without me. But I started . . . in January when it got to be too much for Dad to even get out of bed" (Murdock 37). DJ gives up her sports, and eventually her grades, to support her family. I think this is a big deal for a teenager, being committed to a team is part of growing up and being an adolescent. Working long hours is generally thought of as an adult role. DJ has to take on this new role to support her family. DJ was born into a poorer farming lifestyle, would a teenager that had lead a more wealthy and privileged life be able to cope with the pressure?