Catching Jordan is a light and fun novel that may particularly appeal to girls who haven't always felt like they fit in with the mainstream girly girls. Jordan is a tall (nearly 6 ft) tomboy who has no idea that she is pretty. She is athletic and driven, and relates much better to guys than gals. This story has enough play-by-play football action to interest athletically inclined girls, but not so much that it should deter a non-sports-oriented reader. The primary storyline is a coming of age tale about following your dreams and managing a best friend-to-boyfriend relationship. Jordan's skill as a serious leader of her team is admirable, and she understands that the best leaders lead by example in order to earn respect. She is completely unnerved by her shocking inability to manage emotional issues, and realizes that she must reach out to other girls for guidance. There is a subplot involving Jordan's relationship with her professional football star father who refuses to support her sports career, and teens will find the resolution to this situation heartwarming. There is mention of high school drinking, and there are many references to sex (some of it admittedly quite meaningless) between the football players and the girls in their school. Jordan proceeds very quickly from never-been-kissed to losing her virginity, though it is not specifically described. To her credit though, she recognizes when her first relationship is not heading in the right direction because her boyfriend is too controlling, and she handles the break up respectfully. Through it all Jordan stays true to her unrealistic dream of actually playing football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. In the end though, she learns that staying true to yourself also means respecting yourself and like any good athlete, she makes the necessary adjustments. Language is graphic at times (f--k, sh-t, a-s).
