Falling Short
by Ernesto Cisneros
HarperCollins 2022
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- teamwork
- family responsibilities
- self-confidence
- sportsmanship
- identity
- perseverance
- school life
About this book
Best friends Isaac and Marco are starting sixth grade with big goals—Isaac wants to keep his grades up while leading on the basketball court, and Marco hopes to find confidence beyond his books. Told with humor and heart, their story shows how teammates can push each other to be brave in class, on the court, and at home. Readers will relate to the ups and downs of middle school, family pressures, and figuring out who you are. Perfect for fans of realistic, sports-tinged stories with lots of friendship and laughs.
Setting: a contemporary Southern California middle school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Falling Short right for my child?
Yes — Falling Short is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.6, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, teamwork, family responsibilities.
How long does it take to read Falling Short?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Falling Short takes around 5.5h to finish. The book has 50,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Falling Short have an AR quiz?
Yes — Falling Short has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Falling Short?
Falling Short has an AR reading level of 4.6, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.