The Fifth Quarter

Lori’s game just gets better. She's practicing constantly in her after-school program, and although she’s still only playing in the fifth quarter, she’s starting to feel confident on the court. But growing brings change; her friends start to branch off into different interests, and even different basketball teams. At home, the family dynamics are changing too, with her dad going back to work, and her mom staying home with the kids for the first time in Lori's life. The brewing tension unsettles Lori, and she begins holding herself back.

With the support of her family, and the expertise of her soccer-player-turned-coach mom, Lori must learn how to trust herself and take chances, not just on the court, but in life as well.

About the Author

Mike Dawson’s work includes the graphic novels Freddie & Me and the Ignatz Award winning Troop 142, as well as the cartoon essay collection, Rules for Dating My Daughter. He has published humor comics and strips examining issues of parenting and politics at the Nib, Slate, the New Yorker, the Comics Journal and Upworthy. His comics have been nominated for multiple Eisner and Ignatz Awards as well as the Slate Cartoonists Studio Prize. He lives alongside the scenic Jersey Shore with his partner and two children.