The Perfect Score

Content Warning: This section discusses domestic abuse.

Gavin is the first of the five point-of-view characters, and his narrative arc represents Finding Strength in Perceived Weaknesses, particularly as it relates to reading. As Randi says of him, “His artistic brain was good with shapes, just not letters” (51). As a result, Gavin has shied away from reading, especially after a past teacher criticized him for his poor performance. When Mrs. Woods offers techniques for Gavin to improve and gets him started using audiobooks, Gavin’s attitude toward reading changes, showing how the right teacher and positive solutions can help people succeed. Gavin finds that his reading improves once he tries methods better suited to him, and audiobooks open up a world that he never knew before, revealing the importance of accessibility and inclusion in schools. Gavin’s ability to comprehend what is read aloud to him shows that he is just as intelligent as children who read print, which helps him develop his confidence in reading and other areas.

Gavin’s dream is to play football, but he cannot participate much because his parents can’t afford it due to his father being sued in a corrupt lawsuit. However, he has a clear talent and holds onto hope that he’ll be able to play once their finances improve.