Isaac and Marco have been friends since they were little, Isaac the champion basketballer and Marco the champion mathlete, the two complement each other. However, when they start middle school things begin to change. Marco’s father has always wished he was sportier, while Isaac is sure that getting better grades will make his mom proud and fix his parents’ divorce. When a misunderstanding pushes Marco to try out for the basketball team the two dedicate themselves to their goals, but will they be able to achieve them?
Ernesto Cisneros’ realistic fiction novel Falling Short provides a look into the complexities of social troubles, suffocating expectations, confidence, and friendship. The story features an empowering happy ending, and I would definitely recommend this book. However, this book feels slightly unrealistic to me and is perhaps more for tweens rather than teens. I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a little self-empowerment, but it may feel too young for some. As a whole I’d rate this book a three and if this is your type of book, I hope you enjoy it!