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literatehedgehog 's review for:
Falling Short
by Ernesto Cisneros
Middle grade teacher/librarian catnip: friendship, family, sports. I love how the two boys aren't afraid to show they care about each other and value their friendship. I also like how the author shows nuances of middle school dynamics, especially the different types of bullying, how kids react, if/how they tell an adult or other kids. The conflict and resolution with Byron might seem like a shortcut, but it makes the plot a little neater and helps keep the focus on Marco and Isaac, their friendship and their fathers.
I do wonder who will read this - I'd like to think fans of Tim Green, Mike Lupica, etc, could cross over to this, but the sports action doesn't show up until the climax. Fans of Gordon Korman and Jason Reynolds might be a better fit.
Could be a great read aloud or student book club. Chapters alternate between Isaac and Marco's point of view, many opportunities to take about perspective and different interpretations of the same situation (even when you really know the person).
I do wonder who will read this - I'd like to think fans of Tim Green, Mike Lupica, etc, could cross over to this, but the sports action doesn't show up until the climax. Fans of Gordon Korman and Jason Reynolds might be a better fit.
Could be a great read aloud or student book club. Chapters alternate between Isaac and Marco's point of view, many opportunities to take about perspective and different interpretations of the same situation (even when you really know the person).