The Fifth Quarter

In The Fifth Quarter, a 2021 First Second graphic novel, writer and artist Mike Dawson crafts a heartfelt middle-grade story about a middle schooler navigating the pressures of basketball, friendship, and family. The single-issue series stands out for its warm, grounded exploration of sportsmanship and personal growth, with Dawson's expressive cartooning bringing the court and the characters' inner lives to vivid life. It's a thoughtful, character-driven addition to the sports-comics genre that resonates with readers of all ages.