When the only team she can join is the boys’ team, Lori has to prove she has what it takes to not just play, but to win.
“The Fifth Quarter” introduces readers to Lori, a determined fourth-grader who loves basketball despite being relegated to “the fifth quarter” (a pre-game period where less-skilled players compete without keeping score). Dawson crafts a heartfelt story about perseverance as Lori works to improve her game while navigating complex social dynamics, including misconceptions about a teammate named Elyse and supporting her mother’s town council campaign. This Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection has earned critical acclaim, recognizing its accessible approach to themes of self-confidence and determination.
Educators will find “The Fifth Quarter” valuable for exploring SDG 5 (Gender Equality) as it naturally challenges gender stereotypes through its portrayal of girls in sports and women in leadership positions. The story offers multiple entry points for discussing gender equality, showing rather than telling how girls can pursue traditionally male-dominated activities with passion and skill. Lori is a Risk-taker as she pushes beyond her comfort zone and Reflective as she reconsiders her assumptions about others.
Teachers might use this book in conjunction with physical education units, as a springboard for discussions about perseverance, or to prompt students to identify barriers to gender equality in their own experiences. The graphic novel format makes these complex themes accessible to reluctant readers while offering rich visual literacy opportunities.
