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lzprsn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
4.0
Efren Divided was one of my favorite reads from last year so I was excited to hear that Cisneros had another book out. This is about Isaac and Marco who are entering sixth grade and it's filled with hopeful characters. The plot centers around their friendship and basketball and it's just so readable. I am not sure how realistic this friendship is, they are so dedicated to one another, but it gives me hope! The story is told through alternating point of views and captures all the anxieties and insecurities of middle grade students. It's also a look at family and societal issues. Read it in one sitting!
genia_sh95's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
librarydosebykristy's review against another edition
4.0
Such a charmer! Great story about friendship between two boys, next door neighbors, who are both trying to make positive changes, and both struggling through a relationship with their dads for different reasons.
Models excellent communication and allows boys to feel their feelings.
Models excellent communication and allows boys to feel their feelings.
gingertonks's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
christiana's review against another edition
3.0
I was a little worried this would be a hard hitter for middle grade since it starts with some rough issues the two main characters and their families are dealing with, but there was a really nice balance of sweetness with Marco and Isaac's friendship that I think lightened up the book in those moments. The 6th graders read really real to me and I still laugh a little when I think of how the super academic kids didn't know to hit the rock and would cover their hand over the other person's fist and shake it like a handshake (I wanted it to catch on the way sometimes these things do with other kids at school that didn't know it was a mistake!).
lillanaa's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this way more than I expected to, there are heavy topics and it started off feeling like it was going to be the stereotypes, but it really didn't veer into it. There's such a positive energy throughout, and Marco and Isaac both make for amazing POV characters. They both have stuff going on, but it's so different, but their parallels make them so lifelike. Sports books aren't my go-to, but this feels like a lot more than that. This was great!
lostinausten's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A story about two friends dealing with family issues and their own insecurities.
This was such a great idea for a book, but with really poor execution. Efren Divided was a powerful, well written book. On the other hand, Falling Short is so repititive and awfully written, it was hard to get through. I thought the boys' issues with their dads was a great idea, but again, it felt so movie of the week. Plus, all the cheesy lingo and slang incorporated in the book... it was bad. I feel like the author dumbed down the content thinking it would make it more accessible to kids, but instead, it loses all its power and impact.
This was such a great idea for a book, but with really poor execution. Efren Divided was a powerful, well written book. On the other hand, Falling Short is so repititive and awfully written, it was hard to get through. I thought the boys' issues with their dads was a great idea, but again, it felt so movie of the week. Plus, all the cheesy lingo and slang incorporated in the book... it was bad. I feel like the author dumbed down the content thinking it would make it more accessible to kids, but instead, it loses all its power and impact.
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Falling Short is an ode to every middle grade kid who worries they can’t measure up (which is, let’s face it, all of us at that age). Best friends Isaac and Marco are ready to make some major changes in sixth grade. Isaac knows he needs to focus on his schoolwork and be more responsible, but most days that feels like an impossible task, especially when he’s also navigating the tricky relationship between his recently separated mom and dad (after his dad turns to alcohol in difficult times). Meanwhile, Marco would love to have any kind of relationship at all with his own dad – Marco can never seem to do the types of things that make his dad proud, and he barely even sees him anymore. Isaac does his best to keep his grades up and Marco tries his best to make the basketball team, but no matter how hard both boys work, they feel like they’re up against impossible tasks, and they both start to wonder if they’re always going to be destined to fall short. The book touches on serious topics like alcoholism and divorce, but there’s always a thread of optimism throughout the story that keeps it from feeling too heavy. This book is perfect for contemporary readers and it will have extra appeal to kids who like heartfelt family stories or sports stories.
Falling Short is an ode to every middle grade kid who worries they can’t measure up (which is, let’s face it, all of us at that age). Best friends Isaac and Marco are ready to make some major changes in sixth grade. Isaac knows he needs to focus on his schoolwork and be more responsible, but most days that feels like an impossible task, especially when he’s also navigating the tricky relationship between his recently separated mom and dad (after his dad turns to alcohol in difficult times). Meanwhile, Marco would love to have any kind of relationship at all with his own dad – Marco can never seem to do the types of things that make his dad proud, and he barely even sees him anymore. Isaac does his best to keep his grades up and Marco tries his best to make the basketball team, but no matter how hard both boys work, they feel like they’re up against impossible tasks, and they both start to wonder if they’re always going to be destined to fall short. The book touches on serious topics like alcoholism and divorce, but there’s always a thread of optimism throughout the story that keeps it from feeling too heavy. This book is perfect for contemporary readers and it will have extra appeal to kids who like heartfelt family stories or sports stories.
kiank's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
Bad ending.