The Fifth Quarter

Review
"Utterly riveting... It's a very human and relatable book that I feel I will revisit multiple times." - Graphic Novel Resources
"With its insightful emotional balance for kids and adults and its easy narrative and visual flow, this is the rare middle-grade graphic novel that will invite read-alouds in classrooms and at home."—Booklist, starred review
"Readers will see themselves in Lori, and hopefully, her friends, too. A smart book that respects its readers, with artwork that realistic fiction graphic novel readers will recognize and enjoy, The Fifth Quarter is good reading for all." -Mom Read It
"I love a good girls-centered sports graphic novel that I can recommend to middle grade readers who've read all the Raina, and Fifth Quarter is definitely one of those!" -Aryssa Reads
"For kids reading the book, they will easily relate to how friendships change so easily in the tween years based on changing interests, or meeting new people outside your grade/ town who you connect with, and all the awkwardness that comes with figuring out how to navigate between the different groups."-Cobberson + Co
Get ready to hit the court in this heartfelt, sporty, graphic novel, the first in Mike Dawson's middle-grade duology about a girl who deals with her insecurities through her love of basketball.
Lori Block is dedicated to her fourth-grade basketball team, despite being relegated to an extra period before the real game starts, known as the fifth quarter, where the not-so-good kids play and the points don’t count. That doesn’t matter to Lori though, because working on her skills gives her hints of self-confidence, which is a nice break from feeling awkward and out-of-place in her daily life.
With athletic promise and a dogged determination to keep improving, Lori pursues her passion while navigating awkward social dynamics, her own expectations, and her first overnight away from home. Will her drive allow her to find true courage both on the court, in school, and at home?