You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism
TOXIC MASCULINITY WHO??? NOT CARLOS AND ISAAC. This is by far the best portrayal of a friendship between young boys that I have EVER seen in juvenile literature. So exciting.
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
3.5, rounded up
This is a likable middle grade book featuring two extremely close friends, Marco and Isaac, who support each other through all of middle school's and life's difficulties. While it didn't deeply resonate with me personally, I can appreciate the good writing and character development. "Falling Short" addresses some difficult issues like alcoholism, divorce, and unsupportive parents in a digestible way. Basketball was a large part of the plot, which is not a particular plus for me, but if you have a kid who loves sports, this might be a great pick for them! My favorite thing in the book is how Marco designates kids into different classifications - community fish (kids who get along with everyone), semi-aggressives (kids who mostly try to coexist with others but sometimes fail), and aggressives (self-explanatory). It seems like a pretty good system, and I may be walking around for a while thinking about who the community fish in my life are.
This book was one of the choices on my 11 year old's summer reading list, and I actually don't think he is going to read it (he is very anti-sports) (and a commuity fish), but I am glad I did.
This is a likable middle grade book featuring two extremely close friends, Marco and Isaac, who support each other through all of middle school's and life's difficulties. While it didn't deeply resonate with me personally, I can appreciate the good writing and character development. "Falling Short" addresses some difficult issues like alcoholism, divorce, and unsupportive parents in a digestible way. Basketball was a large part of the plot, which is not a particular plus for me, but if you have a kid who loves sports, this might be a great pick for them! My favorite thing in the book is how Marco designates kids into different classifications - community fish (kids who get along with everyone), semi-aggressives (kids who mostly try to coexist with others but sometimes fail), and aggressives (self-explanatory). It seems like a pretty good system, and I may be walking around for a while thinking about who the community fish in my life are.
This book was one of the choices on my 11 year old's summer reading list, and I actually don't think he is going to read it (he is very anti-sports) (and a commuity fish), but I am glad I did.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
funny
hopeful
inspiring
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
2022 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #47 A book with two POV's
Isaac and Marco are best friends and also complete opposites. Isaac is excellent at basketball but has trouble focusing in school. Marco is outstanding at school but never has been good at sports. Each one feels that their families would appreciate them more if they were more like the other. The best friend dynamic is really sweet as they each help the other to succeed. They keep their reasons secret from each other, however, which makes sense as middle school boys. A very realistic look at family dynamics and the stress that comes with middle school and trying to change how you are perceived. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
adventurous
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Car accident, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, Sexual harassment
Minor: Excrement, Vomit
There's a part where Marco is picked up against his will by an eighth grader and the eighth grader wraps him in a blanket and pretends he's a baby.
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