Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros
The Hook:
Isaac’s parents are getting a divorce. Even though his dad has a drinking problem and cannot seem to keep a job, Isaac feels partly responsible for their separation. He is always getting in trouble at school. He forgets to do his homework, he makes bad decisions and winds up in detention, and his grades are not so great. It is his first day of 6th grade and he is determined not to cause his mom any more stress than she already feels.
Isaac’s best friend and next-door neighbor, Marco, is the opposite of him. Where Isaac is tall, popular, and excels at sports, Marco is short, awkward, and he is a top student. Marco gets excellent grades. However, they do have one thing in common. Marco’s parents have been divorced for a while, so Marco knows what Isaac is going through. But Marco’s dad seems to not want anything to do with him. It is as if he is ashamed of Marco for being such a nerdy, smart kid who is bad at sports. To make matters worse his dad has remarried and has a stepson he seems enormously proud of. Marco decides to try out for the basketball team so his dad will notice him. Of course, he is going to need a lot of help from Isaac and in return, he will help Isaac with his schoolwork.
Can these two help each other to not fall short of their goals? You will have to read the book to find out.
This book is in our library. It is also in Sora and Axis 360 as an eBook. It is 7 AR points.
My Thoughts and Recommendations (Careful! There Could Be Spoilers):
This book is not just a sports book. It has humor and it also tackles tough family issues some of our students may be going through. It is told in alternating points of views from both Isaac and Marco. The reader sees Isaac’s struggles with an alcoholic dad who he loves very much but is worried about as well as ashamed of at times. We feel Marco’s pain as he is ignored by his dad and neglected. He wants so badly for his dad’s attention.
There are laugh out loud parts when Marco tries to play basketball. In turn, it is endearing how Isaac tries to help him. This story has a lot of heart as the two boys show acceptance for each other, resilience, and grit against the odds. Even though their parents do not get back together the boys do indeed make their loved ones proud.
You do not have to be a sports fan to love this book. I recommend it for kids in 5th-8th grade who love a good book about friendship and rooting for the underdog. 4.8 stars.
