Barely Missing Everything

Gr 9 Up—Juan Ramos has big dreams: to play college basketball and one day be a professional basketball player. His friend JD Sanchez wants to make great movies and has been collecting old equipment. When Juan and JD run from the police at a friend's party, an avalanche of problems that has surrounded them all their lives collapses around them. JD's mom kicks his dad out of the house after finding out about his affair. Juan's mom, Fabi, and her current boyfriend bail him out of jail, and a sprained ankle and failing algebra grade threaten to bring Juan's basketball career to a complete halt. When Juan discovers a letter to Fabi from an inmate on death row, he is certain this man must be the father he has never known. JD and Juan agree to travel to meet Armando Aranda, with JD documenting their experiences on camera. As the friends set off to find out the truth, a tragic misunderstanding changes their lives forever. The writing flows easily and, coupled with letter excerpts and lyrics, will make this a fast read, though some may find that the ending comes too abruptly.