Friday Night Lights

• Genre: Nonfiction; sports; sociology
• Originally Published: 1990
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1220L; College/adult
• Structure/Length: The book is divided into multiple chapters that chronicle the 1988 season of the Permian Panthers; approximately 357 pages; approximately 14 hours and 33 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: Friday Night Lights explores the phenomenon of high school football in Odessa, Texas, focusing on the Permian High School Panthers during their 1988 season. Bissinger delves into the team’s quest for a state championship, capturing the intense pressure and high stakes involved. Beyond the field, the book examines the town’s obsession with football and how it intersects with broader social issues such as economic disparity, racial tensions, and educational challenges. Bissinger provides an insightful look into the role of sports in US culture, particularly in small-town Texas, where football can dominate community life and shape the identities of its young players.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Discussions of racial and socioeconomic tensions; the use of racial slurs; the pressure exerted on young athletes; the impact of sports on education and community values; underage drinking
• This Teaching Guide follows the 2004 movie tie-in DeCapo Edition (ISBN: 0-306-81374-2).

H.G. “Buzz” Bissinger, Author

• Bio: Born 1954; American journalist and author; known for his investigative and immersive reporting style; has written for various publications, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and Vanity Fair.