Catching Jordan

Publishers Weekly

Jordan Woods is the captain and quarterback of her high school football team in Franklin, Tenn. (“I mean, obviously I think Justin Timberlake is a megahunk, but I’m also over six feet tall and can launch a football fifty yards,” she boasts). Jordan single-mindedly pursues her dream of getting a football scholarship to the University of Alabama until Ty, a hot quarterback from Texas, moves to town and throws her off her game. In addition to Jordan’s instant crush on the new competition, her father (a starting NFL quarterback) won’t come to her games; she is under the scrutiny of recruiters; and her longtime best friend is in love with her. When Jordan breaks her own rules and starts dating Ty, she must re-evaluate her priorities. Jordan’s team’s wholesale acceptance of a female quarterback strains credibility, but debut author Kenneally does a solid job of depicting Jordan’s conflicted emotions, the pressure she is under, and her testy relationship with her father. Despite the gridiron setting, this is at its heart a romance—most of the action and drama takes place off the field. Ages 13–up. (Dec.)

YA Addict

How cool does this book sound? Not only is a girl playing football, but she is the captain and quarterback!

Reading Eating and Dreaming

This is a wonderful young adult novel about following your dreams and facing life's realities. Jordan says it best, "Sometimes you have to give something up to get something better."

My Keeper Shelf

All you really need to know about American football to enjoy Catching Jordon is that they throw the ball a lot, don't worry about the rest the story itself is so witty and the romance is so deliciously good and that's all that really matters in the end.

Pages of Forbidden Love

A book that will pull at your heartstrings and not let you go until you finish the very last page.

A Tasty Read

It is definitely a To-Read...and a fun read at that.

From the Publisher

""...fun, heart-warming, and fantastic"- Blogger Ciara, Lost At Midnight Reviews " - Lost At Midnight Reviews

""I was hooked by the story from page one"-Blogger Hannah, Aurora Public Library Teen Space " - Aurora Public Library Teen Space

""...an enticing read with a unique premise and a rich cast of characters."- Izzy" - My Words Ate Me

""I really liked Jordan. She's strong and good at what she does and she knows it"-Penelope " - Living Vicariously (Through Books)

""Catching Jordan is a definite read for everyone; sports fan or not"- Blogger AnnMarie, World of Books " - World of Books

VOYA

Jordan Woods is the senior star quarterback of the Hundred Oaks High football team. It could appear inevitable, with her brother a collegiate star and her father a famous NFL quarterback, but Jordan has more than earned her spot through natural talent and hard work. In fact, her famous father is the least supportive person in her camp. When Tyler Green, star quarterback of his Texas high school, transfers and joins the team, everything changes. Jordan, surrounded by boys for years, suddenly notices how cute Ty is, and struggles to find her feminine side while keeping the respect of her team. Sam Henry, Jordan's childhood best friend and outstanding wide receiver, throws a flag on the play when the secret he has been keeping finally comes out—he loves Jordan. Suddenly Jordan's troubles are piling up, both on and off the field. Socially awkward and emotionally immature, Jordan's flip-flopping between unapologetic, unfeminine jock to giddy "first crush"-young girl feelings will keep readers from fully engaging in her story. When Jordan begins to journal through original poetry, it is a complete surprise, as her interest in creative writing lacks any previous referencing. Casual use of profanity and references to random hook-ups make this more appropriate for older teens, but the focus on all things football and the childish viewpoint on boy—girl relationships are unlikely to keep those teens reading. The implication that most, not all, of the cheerleaders are available to have sex with football players is unkind but repeated frequently anyway. A book that lends itself to very light reading, the ending is sweetly satisfying for both characters and readers. Reviewer: Stacey Hayman

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up—Jordan Woods really is just one of the guys-the guys on her Tennessee state championship runner-up football team, that is. In fact, she's the starting QB and team captain. Seem a little far-fetched? Maybe not for the daughter of an NFL quarterback whose brother starts for the University of Tennessee and who tops out over 6 feet and 170 pounds. For assets, she has a near promise from the University of Alabama for a full ride, a close bunch of guy friends from her team, and a really good shot at the state title. Among the problems, she has a dad who won't come to her games; bitchy cheerleaders who sleep with her long-time buddy, Henry; and now Ty Green, a new guy who throws rockets and has a body and face that make her feel something that no other guy on or off the field has awakened. So, not only is he serious competition for her position, but he is also wrecking her concentration in games and practice. Strangely enough, when Jordan starts seeing him, Henry doesn't seem happy for her. She is the last to know that he has been in love with her for ages. She has some tough decisions to make about playing football and which boys' passes she wants to catch. Written in a casual, no-nonsense style that suits its protagonist, this novel has some interesting characters and promotes females in sports. It's a spirited football romance in the zone of Dairy Queen (Houghton Harcourt, 2006), especially for readers who associate a sack with a quarterback, not just shopping.—Suzanne Gordon, Lanier High School, Sugar Hill, GA