Falling Short
on Goodreads (2,048)
What’s inside...
A novel about two best friends, Isaac and Marco, who are navigating the challenges of sixth grade and their home lives. Isaac, a star basketball player, aims to improve his grades to help ease his parents' arguments, while Marco, a straight-A student, wants to make the basketball team to win his father's approval. Their friendship and support for each other are tested as they face these challenges together.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Isaac Castillo
Marco Honeyman
Discussion points
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the story?
What do you think the main character learned by the end of the book?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the main character? What happened?
Why is it important to keep trying even when we fall short?
How would you help a friend who is struggling with a challenge?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening when discussing the character's struggles and triumphs, mirroring your child’s feelings.
Relate the book’s scenarios to real-life situations your child may encounter to make the discussion more relevant.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, encouraging them to think deeply and share openly.
After discussing, engage in an activity that relates to the book's theme, such as setting a small, achievable goal, to reinforce the message.
Ask your child to draw or write about their favorite part of the story, which can lead to further conversation about its themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist repeatedly faces challenges but continues to try, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up, even when tasks or learning new skills become difficult.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The characters in the story show understanding and support for each other's feelings and differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate of others' emotions and perspectives, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The plot involves characters coming up with creative solutions to obstacles they encounter.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think critically and innovatively in their daily interactions and challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist learns to take responsibility for their actions and their outcomes throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of accountability in children, important for their personal development and interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters work together to achieve common goals, showcasing the power of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others, which is essential in school projects and other group activities.