Falling Short (Compact Disc)
Staff Reviews
I love middle-grade books about ride-or-die best friends. Sixth grade BFFs Isaac and Marco are opposites -- Isaac's a tall athlete who struggles with schoolwork, while Marco is short and studious with no interest in sports. Their first week in middle school, a miscommunication makes Isaac's friends think Marco is the next Muggsy Bogues, so both boys dedicate themselves to turning Marco into a good player. The author challenges the toxic masculinity that envelops boys' sports, and crafts a beautiful story about unconditional friendship.
— SandieDescription
Ernesto Cisneros, Pura Belpr Award-winning author of Efr n Divided, is back with a hilarious and heartfelt novel about two best friends who must rely on each other in unexpected ways. A great next pick for readers who loved Ghost by Jason Reynolds or The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. P rez.
Isaac and Marco already know sixth grade is going to change their lives. But it won't change things at home--not without each other's help.
This year, star basketball player Isaac plans on finally keeping up with his schoolwork. Better grades will surely stop Isaac's parents from arguing all the time. Meanwhile, straight-A Marco vows on finally winning his father's approval by earning a spot on the school's basketball team.
But will their friendship and support for each other be enough to keep the two boys from falling short?