5 to 1
In the year 2054, after decades of gender selection, Koyanagar–a country severed from India–now has a ratio of five boys for every girl, and women are an incredibly valuable commodity. Tired of wedding their daughters to the highest bidder and determined to finally make marriage fair, the women of Koyanagar have instituted a series of tests so that every boy has the chance to win a wife. But after fighting so hard for freedom against the old ways of gender selection, these women have become just as deluded as their male predecessors. Sudasa Singh doesn’t want to be a wife and Contestant Five, a boy competing to be her husband, has other plans as well. Sudasa’s family wants nothing more than for their daughter to do the right thing and pick a husband who will keep her comfortable—and caged. Five’s family wants him to escape by failing the tests. As the tests advance, each thwarts the other until they slowly realize that they might want the same thing. This beautiful, unique novel is told from alternating points of view—Sudasa’s in verse and Five’s in prose—allowing readers to feel both characters’ pain and grasps at hope. Released May 12, 2015 from Knopf.
Extras
Free Novella – Read Surina’s perspective on the first day of her sister’s Tests
Coloring page – Printable black and white cover page from 5 TO 1
Sample Chapter – Read the first chapter of 5 TO 1 or listen to Holly Bodger read it on SoundCloud
Discussion questions for book clubs
Educators’ Guide with Common Core Correlations
5 TO 1 Glossary – A list of some of the terms used in the book.
The Laws of Koyanagar – This is a list of the country’s laws. Although many are referred to in the book, this list itself is not part of it.
Interviews – Check the Interviews page for favorite quotes, character dossiers, and information about the setting for 5 TO 1.
Pinterest Board – See some of the images I used as inspiration for this book
SWAG – I have 5 TO 1 bookmarks, postcards, and magnets. Email me if you’d like some for your library or classroom.
