5 TO 1

In the year 2054, after decades of gender selection, Koyanagar 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.

Awards

Finalist, 2017 NYSRA Charlotte Award

Finalist, Amy Mathers Teen Book Award

Bustle 30 Best YA Book Covers Of 2015

Finalist, 2016 Compton Crook Award

The 2016-2017 Tome Society It List Nominee

LA Young Readers Choice 2018 (6th-8th Grade)

Reviews

“An engaging dystopian novel set in India that poignantly explores gender politics.”  – School Library Journal

“Flavored by a South Asian cultural essence, this accessible dystopian novel builds readers’ belief in the driving message: to be fair to oneself.” – Booklist

“5 to 1 is a visual and intriguing masterpiece that opens the imagination and never leaves even after the book is closed.” – USA Today

“This is a fast, fascinating story that will appeal to many readers.” – VOYA

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.

SWAG – I have 5 TO 1 bookmarks, postcards, and magnets. Email me if you’d like some for your library or classroom.