Falling Short

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

In his acclaimed sophomore novel, Pura Belpré Award–winning author Ernesto Cisneros brings laughs, real-world issues, and tons of heart in equal measure to the story of two close friends who need each other to become the versions of themselves they want to be. Now in paperback! 

Ernesto Cisneros, author of Efrén 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. Pérez.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, athletically gifted Isaac plans on finally keeping up with his schoolwork. Better grades will surely stop Isaac’s parents from arguing all the time. Meanwhile, academically gifted Marco plans 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?

About the Author

Ernesto Cisneros was born and raised in Santa Ana, California, where he still teaches. He holds an English degree from the University of California, Irvine; a teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach; as well as a master of fine arts in creative writing from National University. His first novel, Efrén Divided, won the Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award and the Golden Poppy Middle Grade Award and was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, ALA Booklist, NPR Books, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library, and Project LIT. You can visit him online at www.ernestocisneros.com.