SYNOPSIS

Marco and Isaac are best friends and next door neighbors. Each of them has a talent the other one dreams of.

Marco, short and unathletic, dreams of making the basketball team and impressing his distant father.

Isaac, his parents separated, worries about his mom and dad’s drinking problem but does poorly at school.

By helping each other, sometimes mis-stepping and once in a while getting in trouble, the two friends learn how to achieve their dreams.

PERFECT AGE 10 – 13

We love

• Such an engaging and realistic read – just like Ernesto Cisneros’ first awesome YA novel, Efren Divided.
• Great way of showing different perspectives by having the story evolve through each boy’s voice, in alternating chapters.
• Truly lovable characters with lots of courage (in middle school!) and compassion for each other and their families.

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• It is middle school – so the requisite topic of bullying shows up. A good opportunity to discuss how to stand up for oneself, look for help, and be brave in standing out.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Marco was inspired to practice basketball by Muggsy Bogues. Can you think of other “unconventional” athletes, artists or public figures who may have faced physical obstacles to their success?
• What helped resolve the conflict between Isaac and Marco? How would you have handled this type of situation?
• Isaac chose to protect his dad by not disclosing his drinking to his mom. In retrospect, was that the right decision?