Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Falling Short

Isaac and Marco are two best friends, and neighbors, that seem to be complete opposites in terms of athletics and academics. Isaac is really good at basketball, but falls behind with his school work. Marco is always the butt of the short jokes, but he is super smart.

Better grades will surely stop Isaac's parents from arguing all the time, and Marco believes earning a spot on the school's basketball team will earn his father’s approval. The two best friends must rely on each other in unexpected ways.

Themes: changing friendships, entering middle school, bullying, how to have difficult conversations with your parents, lying, and standing up for yourself and what's right for you

Rep: Both protagonists are Latinx. Isaac is Jewish and Mexican, and Marco is Mexican-American.

Isaac and Marco’s friendship was so inspiring to me. It’s so commonly written in books that friends break up (at least temporarily) when starting at a new school, so I appreciated how that wasn’t the case in Falling Short. Isaac tried to make friends with Marco’s new friends, and vice versa. They were always there for each other. I wish I had a neighbor friend whose window I could crawl through at any hour, and maybe they would do my homework too.

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makeminemonsters's review

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emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-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

4.5

I thought this story was such a sweet examination of a friendship between two 12 year old boys in a way that was really lovely to see. They were so supportive of each other and I thought the fact that they were comfortable talking about their feelings and insecurities was really refreshing and will be great for kids around middle school age to see. There was also lots of basketball and sports content for sports fans though the heart of the story is really Marco and Isaac's friendship.

I do think that Isaac's father's drinking problem was handled a little too easily though. I applaud the author for taking care with the character so that the reader is really rooting for him to treat his addiction successfully, but I think the ending was tied up a little too quickly. Still, this book is really for 4th-7th graders and that's a tough balance to strike between being realistic without being too much for the reader to grapple with.

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greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-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

4.0

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amykuc's review

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Falling Short was a light-hearted read touching on some deep issues. Marco and Isaac could not be more opposite. Marco is in all GATE classes as he begins middle school. Isaac almost failed 5th grade. Isaac is a star on the basketball court. Marco needs to use the granny shot to make a free throw. Despite the differences they've been best friends since preschool.
Marco's dad has pretty much disappeared from his life. Isaac's father is dealing with some alcohol issues, causing him to be asked to leave the home.
This book is a wonderful example of friendship who have not yet discovered the angst of junior high. They kiss their moms goodbye. They're surprised to hear words that aren't said at home. They appreciate that they have a friend who accepts them unconditionally. And discover that sometimes family doesn't always look the same.
This book will be going in my classroom library quickly. I was gifted a preview copy of this book by Netgalley, but opinions are my own.

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kathyellendavis's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Loved the friendship between Isaac, who is a natural on the basketball court but struggles with schoolwork, and Marco, who is the opposite. They help each other out all throughout the book, and are both dealing with father issues. I liked the dual POV and occasionally we get to see the same situation from both of their points of view. Great friendship and basketball story about these two boys trying to be the best they can be.

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