Sixth graders Isaac Castillo and Marco Honeymon, both from Mexican-American families, have been best friends forever. Despite their obvious differences – Isaac is tall, athletic, and the star of the basketball team, Marco is short, brainy, and star of the chess team – they have always supported each other through hard times. When they start middle school, their deep friendship helps them overcome challenges like bullies, tough coaches, and disappointing parents. This is a great pick for fans of sports stories that celebrate the importance of friendship and teamwork.

5 stars

After reading and loving _Efren Divided_, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Cisneros's second effort, and I was not disappointed. You, too, will fall in love with Isaac and Marco; it's unavoidable. Also, I am dying to eat at Isaac's mom's restaurant.

The aforementioned characters alternate perspectives throughout this charming middle grade novel, and they have a friendship for the ages. As next-door neighbors and schoolmates, Isaac and Marco get to spend A LOT of time together, and this is fantastic because in a deeply realistic scenario, each is being raised by a single mother. The boys' relationships with their families are an absolute highlight. They are both dealing with fathers who are absent in entirely different ways: one physically and emotionally and the other because of his alcoholism (another expertly handled aspect of this novel). Their behaviors, ideas about themselves, and senses of security are profoundly shaped by these relationships, and it's incredibly moving to watch each m.c. immediately realize when his pal is struggling as a result of this issue and how they attempt to empathize and even fill the gaps at times. The moms and other ancillary characters are also intriguing and complex enough for the audience.

Like any solid MG contemporary novel, this one includes so many issues: friendship, bullying, alternative family structures, divorce, alcoholism, mental health issues, insecurity, and more. No matter what is happening to or around either of them, these buddies are there for each other always. I suspect that both the intended audience - as well as those reading along to or with that audience - will find many topics and situations to explore but that most will primarily remember this as a generally charming novel. I know I will.

loved this look at a warm friendship bond between boys. There’s plenty of basketball, Latin-American family and warmth, and middle school antics including bullying, comparison, and budding friendships. This is a sweet book that will resonate with any kid who feels like they’re falling short -- and a reminder that we're often better than we give ourselves credit for.

The messages in this book are great for children on the brink of changes in their lives. Messages like: Our actions can contribute to but not control the people or environment of our home lives, And Positive friendships help us navigate our social lives at home and at school

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins (Quill Tree Books) for an eBook ARC. Below is my honest opinion.

4.5/5 stars

This was a really enjoyable middle grade book that explores friendship, transitions into middle school, and family issues/divorce/alcoholism. Isaac and Marco have lived next door to each other as long as they can remember and their friendship has transcended their different interests. This has never really been an issue, until now - the start of middle school.

Isaac is athletic and has struggled with school and keeping track of assignments in the past. On top of that, his parents have recently divorced and he's adjusting to the new normal in his life, all the while worrying about his dad's problems with alcohol. School comes easily for Marco, who is in all advanced classes and interested in coding and computer science. He also has issues with his dad, who moved out early on in his life and doesn't give Marco much attention.

Enter middle school. Different class schedules, new friend groups, basketball, and dealing with the eighth grade bullies threaten to pull Marco and Isaac in different directions. This is a heartwarming story of two friends who will do anything to help one another succeed, who unconditionally support each other through different trials and tribulations, and who learn to find new ways to navigate the pressures of middle school together. I really enjoyed this book!

Falling Short certainly did not fall short on charm and heart. This dual POV story features Marcos and Isaac, best friends who would do anything to help each other meet their goals, whether that means a sleepless night or legs falling asleep. While facing difficult situations at home with their fathers, the boys confide in and trust each other with everything, including helping with anxiety attacks. The action builds to a satisfying conclusion where both boys are rewarded for their ceaseless efforts.

This is an excellent story about friendship and family that will hit the right note with middle grade readers.

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 recommend you give this book a shot.

This book is told through the dual points of view of two best friends starting middle school. Marco and Isaac seem to be an unlikely duo but their steadfast support and encouragement of one another is true friendship. It was a wonderful coming of age story and I think it will hit the mark with middle grade readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel.

As a mom of boys I love kid bromance. Nothing like a friendship unworried about societies expectations of masculinity.

Isaac and Marco's are neighbors and best friends who would do anything for each other, even though they couldn't be more different.

Isaac is tall, athletic and popular but struggles a bit with organization and homework. Marco is short and brainy with little athletic ability or care for social standing.

Both of them have dads who aren't doing a great job in the parenting department, but that similarity seems to help them support each other through it.

Marco decides to try out for the basketball team like Isaac and surprisingly has defensive skills only made better by his determination. Isaac teaches him everything he can.

As their team enters a championship Marco is terrified to let the team down. Can they win?

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Marco and Isaac have been best friends for year, and as 6th grade approaches, they have big plans. Marco, who excels academically, hopes to play basketball in order to attract the attention of his father, who doesn't visit much and who doesn't think he is "manly" enough. Isaac struggles with his school work, and hopes to be better at remembering to turn in assignments, hoping that this will cause fewer fights among his parents, who are getting divorced. Isaac's father is an alcoholic who can't be relied on to take care of Isaac or to be sober when he has to pick him up. Middle school gets off to a decent start, and Marco finds some new friends in his able and talented classes, classes Isaac is not in. Isaac finds some friends on the basketball team, but they are not always kind to Marco, who tends to rock his dweebishness without apology. The only class the two have together is gym, which includes the stressful locker room experience. Byron, who is a good basketball player, is particularly unkind, which eventually causes the coach to bar him from playing.
Strengths: There are SO many middle grade books with parents and siblings who die, but really, the biggest issues that actual middle grade readers face are ones like affect Marco and Isaac. Parents have issues that affect them, like alcoholism or divorce. It's tough to balance school work and extracurriculars. Friendships shift, friends pursue other interests, and groups of friends don't always get along. Physical changes make it hard to just... navigate the world. Yet, these problems rarely make it into the literature. I get it. They are subtle problems that are harder to depict that the obvious trauma of death and loss. Cisneros clearly understands what 6th graders experience, and does a good job at incorporating things that actually occur in middle school, rather than things people did in middle school 30 years ago, like school elections and newspapers. There are still locker rooms, though no showers. Lunch time and choosing where to sit is a HUGE issue. Staying up late to do homework and then being tired in the morning is a problem. Even transportation back and forth from school can be a subject of stress. The best part of the book is that, despite all of the different stressors the boys experience, they manage to stay friends. That's a great message, and one that is very reassuring to readers.
Weaknesses: Was this intramural basketball? I didn't think about it too closely. Basketball doesn't start at the beginning of the school year in Ohio, and 6th graders can't participate in school sports. I was also confused by the fact that Byron was able to go to another school and get on their team so quickly. Maybe things are different where Cisneros teaches, and I was willing to ignore this because I liked the story so much.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, although I sort of wish there had been a basketball on the cover and that the boys had been in 8th grade, so that older readers would find it more appealing. The height differences become even more pronounced by this age, and it would make more sense for them to be playing on a team. This is the sort of book I'll buy multiple copies of, and they will never make it back to the shelf because students will recommend the book to each other. Another great book from the author of Efren Divided.

I adored Cisneros debut, Pura Belpré-winner Efrén Divided. That personal story may remain the wellspring of his career—where his other marvelous stories branch out from. And I expect a long career! (Sort of like another Pura Belpré-winner, Pam Muñoz Ryan and her classic debut, Esperanza Rising.) His sophomore novel is unique and exceptional. I happen to love books about best friends who couldn’t be more different. Enter Isaac and Marco. One is a terrific athlete while the other is academically gifted. A natural odd couple, but they need one another. The excellent prose (in alternating viewpoints) and humor keeps rolling. You’re going to want to read this book and add it to your libraries and classrooms. The former library worker in me loves to find a major MG talent on the rise!

This is a fast-paced and very relatable book that has realistic and relatable situations for young people. The adults are fully realized, not cliches, and the supporting cast is strong, too. Alternating viewpoints keeps the reader interested and allows them to gain insights into two types of boys - best friends - and see despite their differences, they are also very much alike. The focus on sports and academics is balanced nicely, too.

Cisneros is an exceptional middle grade writer who truly remembers that middle schoolers are fully formed personalities with their own legitimate desires, insecurities, and challenges. I love that he writes with so much truth and honesty about youth experiences. I just hate basketball. I know sports are a legitimate love for lots of kids. I have so much trouble connecting. However, I love that this book takes sports beyond the court and into home life and friendship as well to make it a fully realized work. I'll definitely recommend to kids who want a sports-oriented read!

What a delightful read. It's great to have a boy friendship book and the bond between Isaac and Marco is the best balance.

Cisneros once again proves himself a master at conveying the messiness of male adolescence in engaging books. This story is a fantastic story of friendship, fathers, and sons. Highly recommend!

Middle school is tough enough already, but when you are short like Marco or trying to balance school and family like Isaac, it can feel like you will definitely be coming up on the short end of the rope. You will instantly be drawn to both these characters as they navigate family challenges, bullies, and basketball. This is only the first few weeks of middle school. I am hoping for a sequel these kids had me hooked!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC for allowing me early access to the sophomore book of Ernesto Cisneros!

In this dual POV book, Marco and Isaac are friends that could not be more different in realms that they excel in - academics and athletics. Marco is a bright student with ambitions to join the basketball team, and Isaac is a student that has continuously struggled with his academics despite being a phenomenal athlete. They realize that they need each other to meet their goals.

While I would potentially not recommend this for a grade beneath grade 4, I would say that this book would do extremely well in the middle school world due to the personal issues that both boys are working through in the book.

Overall, another well done book by Ernesto!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Ernesto Cisneros, and the publisher for the ARC of this story.

Wow! This book was fantastic!! I could add a million more exclamation marks, that's how much I loved it.
Marco and Isaac are best friends entering middle school. Isaac is tall, athletic, but struggled to keep up with his school work in elementary school. He is determined to change that in middle school. On the other hand, Marco is very smart and small for his age. Marco wants to join a sports team in the hope it'll bring his dad back into his life.
What I love about this book is it deals with issues that real middle schools deal with. Having to choose between academics or athletics. I think this book does a good job of showing that you can have anything and everything you set your mind to!

Ernesto Cisneros is one of my favorite authors. I wish I had a best friend like the characters in this book. I think all middle grade students should read this book!