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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
The boys' friendship seemed a bit too good to be true, and they seemed amazingly mature for their age, but this was otherwise a delightful book.
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Car accident
Alternating POV's tell the story of two best friends since they were very young. Both boys want better relationships with their dads: Marco's dad loves sports and has never "gotten" his nerdy and very short son, and now seems to have more interest in his girlfriend's sporty son; Isaac's dad has been drinking since his dad and sister died so close together, forcing Isaac's mom to kick him out. He's still drinking, despite promises not to, forcing Isaac to hide that from his mom. Isaac also fears disappointing his mom with his usual slack school habits.
So they are both looking for a new start in middle school, and Marco decides he will get on the basketball team, despite NEVER having played. (Isaac humors him, thinking he could play defense and not have to dribble.) He watches lots of videos and practices alone and, later, with Isaac, even after he hurts his hand. For his part, Isaac tries to be more responsible, at one point even doing MARCO's advanced HW, since Marco had been working so hard on b-ball.
The loyalty and respect these boys have for each other is touching. And they each gradually realize the value of hard work toward their new goals.
Great blend of self-acceptance, family, humor and sports action.
So they are both looking for a new start in middle school, and Marco decides he will get on the basketball team, despite NEVER having played. (Isaac humors him, thinking he could play defense and not have to dribble.) He watches lots of videos and practices alone and, later, with Isaac, even after he hurts his hand. For his part, Isaac tries to be more responsible, at one point even doing MARCO's advanced HW, since Marco had been working so hard on b-ball.
The loyalty and respect these boys have for each other is touching. And they each gradually realize the value of hard work toward their new goals.
Great blend of self-acceptance, family, humor and sports action.
I love this book. Middle grade story about two friends, best friends. They help each other and are just two good kids.
My only complaint is that for the kids I would most want to read this story, will probably be but off a little about the length. It could have a been a bit shorter, edited maybe to focus on one of the boys. But it might have lost it’s charm.
I will be book talking this one a lot!
My only complaint is that for the kids I would most want to read this story, will probably be but off a little about the length. It could have a been a bit shorter, edited maybe to focus on one of the boys. But it might have lost it’s charm.
I will be book talking this one a lot!
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros resonated with me in so many ways, especially the character of Marco--the anxiety and panic attacks that Marco feels when he is less than perfect, the feeling that academics is all he is good at and therefore MUST be perfect at, and his incredibly short stature and all that entails. Yet Marco sets his sights on making the basketball team to make his absentee sports obsessed father stop and take notice. Marco's best friend, Isaac, whose parents are constantly arguing, coaches and trains with Marco. However Isaac has problems of his own. He is struggling with academics, something Marco helps him with. Isaac is determined to change this year in hopes that it will bring his father home.
I loved this book because it shows an amazing friendship between two boys, where they both are fully invested in supporting each other. Off hand, I can't think of other middle grade books that show this positive male friendship so strongly. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
I loved this book because it shows an amazing friendship between two boys, where they both are fully invested in supporting each other. Off hand, I can't think of other middle grade books that show this positive male friendship so strongly. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
*♾/5. I loved this book so much. I adored Marco & Issac’s friendship. It was really refreshing to see that they were complete opposite, but were the best of friends. Not saying it’s uncommon, just saying that I enjoyed seeing it. Another thing I loved was how the sports aspect of the book wasn’t boring. I wouldn’t say I hate sports, but it has to hook me from the start if I want anything to do with it..and I feel like this book did it perfectly. I honestly loved this book so much. It was amazing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
This is a heartwarming book that depicts adolescent, male best friendship in an authentic way that many books fail to do. There is some more mature content around drinking and alcoholism, but it is written in a way that young readers could process and handle. Definitely looking forward to recommending and discussing this book with my students!