Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros

What worked:

Characters misinterpret the apparent self-confidence of others. Marco’s best friend Isaac is an outstanding basketball player, and Marco thinks Isaac fits right in with everyone else at school. However, Isaac struggles with his grades, he almost failed fifth grade, and he thinks he’s the cause of his parents' impending divorce. He admires how easily Marco has adapted to sixth grade and how quickly he’s able to make friends. He’s unaware that Marco feels like he doesn’t belong with the other students due to his small size. He’s taking honors classes so he’s isolated from his elementary-school friends, and he’s being bullied by eighth-graders. His decision to try out for the middle-school basketball team changes the story for both Isaac and Marco.

The book explores the emotions of middle-grade boys in a way that’s not often done. Marco and Isaac have troubled relationships with their fathers but for different reasons. Marco’s father has divorced, remarried, and is enjoying life with his new son. Marco craves that kind of attention and affection from his father. Isaac’s father wants to spend time with his son, but he has a serious drinking problem. It’s the reason behind the looming divorce even though he keeps promising he’s trying to get better. Isaac is forced to keep secrets, and it takes a near-disaster to initiate any evidence of change. Marco and Isaac share deep feelings with each other, and they aren’t afraid to shed a few tears in the process. Having alternating chapters share their different points of view is a very effective strategy.

The story incorporates Mexican culture, as Spanish vocabulary is used by the parents, some teachers, and others. Readers are able to use context clues to figure out most phrases, and none of the words are critical to understanding what’s going on. The use of Spanish keeps the story feeling authentic and allows the characters to stay true to their heritage. Isaac’s mother and father are referred to as Apa and Apo, and his Abuelita often speaks in Spanish. The Mexican culture doesn’t take over the story, but it’s a big part of the characters’ lives.

What didn’t work as well: The opening doesn’t have a great hook to draw readers in. The boys have issues adapting to sixth grade in a new school (fitting in, bullies, etc.) but nothing makes their situation stand out from other middle-grade books. However, that changes when Marco decides to play basketball, and his determination to succeed is contagious. Readers will not want to miss the emotional journey to make sixth grade successful and memorable for two unlikely best friends.

The Final Verdict:

Best bros forever! The story may not immediately grab readers, but it’s a very entertaining, emotional narrative about two best friends. The feelings and worries of sixth-grade boys aren’t often shared this effectively, and I highly rec