Fun friendships, high school romance, and intense competition are at the heart of book one in Tamara Girardi’s swoon-worthy, young-adult contemporary series.
Julia Medina, dubbed Jules by her closest friends, wants to be the new, starting quarterback of Iron Valley High School’s football team, and no one is going to stand in her way. That is—until her boyfriend, Owen Malone, steps up to the challenge. Wanting to maintain her relationship with her boyfriend, Jules is torn. But while Owen is in her heart, football is in her blood.
Once the idea takes root to quit her championship volleyball team and join the leagues of Iron Valley’s toughest teenage boys, there’s no stopping Jules from pursuing her dream. In her mind, expectations that the position will go to a male player have gone on long enough, and, even as her decision creates controversy among the booster parents, school coaches, family members, and team members themselves, Jules holds strong in her beliefs.
Which is good—because when parents hear that Jules plans to participate in overnight pre-season camp with a staff of male coaches and eighty high school boys, her tryout is threatened more than ever before. Yet, nobody can deny Jules’ skills. As the youngest sister of three former high school quarterbacks, Jules knows the game. She knows what it takes to outsmart opponents, and she’s not about to let anyone count her out for being a girl.
But as the competition intensifies, Jules must choose what she wants more—to embrace girl power and lead her team on the field, or be a girlfriend on the sidelines.
Gridiron Girl will inspire you to follow your vision, instead of those dictated by others. Perfect for fans of Better than Perfect by Simone Elkeles and On the Fence by Kasie West.
Tensions arise and friendships deviate as the competition heats up in book two of Tamara Girardi’s swoon-worthy, young-adult contemporary series.Sophomore Melanie Corwin has one dream—to make varsity on Iron Valley high school’s volleyball team. So, when the team’s standout hitter and captain suddenly quits to play football instead, Melanie gets the opportunity she’s been working towards for years.But to play varsity on a tight-knit, championship team, every player has to be as flawless on the court as they are off it.
For Melanie, that means more socializing than her introverted personality is used to. And as she turns to her best friend and next-door neighbor, Harris Fullerton—who keeps encouraging her to expand her social circles and achieve her goals—reluctant Melanie is forced out of her comfort zone. Even more so when a fellow varsity teammate feels the coveted position should go to a more seasoned player.
To complicate matters, Melanie starts falling for the guy her team captain has been crushing on for years. And just when Melanie thinks she’s finally managed to sort through the complexity of it all, she finds herself in the kind of trouble that could keep her off the volleyball court for good.
Fiery competition and unexpected romance will melt your heart in book three of Tamara Girardi’s swoon-worthy, young-adult contemporary series.
Iron Valley High School senior Annalise Fiori is the only girl on her school’s wrestling team. With daily early morning lifting sessions and extra evenings, she’s earned her place on the high school team and respect from her male teammates. Her goals for the season are to earn a wrestling scholarship to a college with an amazing art program and interact with her middle school wrestling rival, Sebastian Love, as little as possible.
When Sebastian’s school doesn’t have enough wrestlers to field a team, her coaches welcome the Forest Run High School wrestlers to co-op with Iron Valley’s team. Now, Annalise will have to face Sebastian every day at practice and maybe even compete against him to hold on to her weight class and prove herself to college coaches. Will the secret Annalise has been holding on to put everything she’s worked so hard for at risk?
From author Tamara Girardi comes an emotionally engaging story in the fourth book of the Iron Valley series.
Archery champion Elle Corwin spends her senior year focused on her romance with the friendly, football star Josh Brighton-until he moves away forcing them into a long distance relationship. As a distraction, Elle immerses herself in shooting and teaching archery lessons, biding her time until Josh returns to Iron Valley for college. Her perfect plan falls apart when Josh breaks up with her on prom night-by Express Mail-and she experiences the elusive but debilitating "target panic" at her first summer shoot.
If she has any hope of saving the money she needs for college expenses, archery equipment, and a trip to the other side of the state to convince Josh he made a mistake, Elle needs the best summer job ever-one that doesn't interfere with her shooting schedule. Her only option is Camp Good Grief, a summer camp for kids struggling with loss. Elle is all set to teach the campers archery, all the while avoiding her own grief.
Just as she accepts the breakup and creates a new vision for her life, Josh comes back into it in a way she never expected, leaving her at risk of missing her big shot-in more ways than one.
Praise for the series:
"A fast-paced, character-driven novel about a girl going her own way." -Kirkus
"Girardi has crafted an uplifting, powerful story about a girl who refuses to give up!”
- Simone Elkeles, NY Times bestselling author of Perfect Chemistry
“Gridiron Girl delivers on so many levels, and features a fierce, clear-eyed heroine who isn’t afraid to fight for what she wants, both on the field and off. I loved it!”
- Kes Trester, author of A Dangerous Year
“Gridiron Girl is an uplifting read packed with tons of girl power, delightful banter, and a whole lot of heart! I can’t get enough of Julia’s strength and her take-no-prisoners attitude! Definitely a must read!”
- Molly E. Lee, author of Ember of Night
“Inspiring and entertaining, Tamara Girardi’s Gridiron Girl expertly balances sporty-action, depth, and humor as she speeds us through the challenges and rewards of a teen who rises above expectations to accomplish a dream.”
—Nova McBee, author of the Calculated series
“Gridiron Girl lives and breathes football with the same intensity as its star athlete. A compelling book about drive and bravery and believing in yourself.”
- Stephanie J. Scott, author of All Last Summer
“Julia’s got as much grit as she has heart, both of which she’ll need to navigate obstacles on and off the field. A well-written debut novel. Tamara Girardi is a literary talent to watch.”
- Tina Ferraro, author of Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, How to Hook a Hottie, and The ABC’s of Kissing Boys
“Gridiron Girl is the book my football-obsessed heart has been craving. Give me a girl who knows how to go after her dreams even when the world is set against her, mix that with all of the epic sports-movie feels while also showing young women that they can do anything they set their mind to, and top it all off with phenomenal writing and edge-of-your-seat action, and you’ve got a story destined to become a young adult classic. Every teen girl needs to read this book.”
-Chelsea Bobulski, author of The Wood, Remember Me, and the All I Want for Christmas series
“Julia’s timely story of sports, family, determination, and romance will inspire readers to stay true to themselves, especially those who have ever considered redefining themselves.”
- Kimberly Gabriel, award-winning author of Every Stolen Breath
"Gridiron Girl will excite young people looking for a new series with a terrific variety of characters. Jules' story is thrilling and is sure to engage voracious readers and those searching for something 'good to read.'"
- Kathleen Heidecker, Librarian
"Disorder on the Court is the perfect read for fans of sports romance. With a sparkling voice, Tamara Girardi spins an entertaining tale of chasing after your passion and realizing that sometimes the most important things in your life are right next door!"
- Amy Trueblood, author of Across a Broken Shore
"Exciting and original! Disorder on the Court is filled with hope, determination, lovable characters, and delightful surprises at every pass. A gem that will stay with you long after the final serve!"
- Candace Kade, author of the forthcoming Enhanced