Falling Short

“I don’t do these things on purpose either. They just…happen.”

Isaac compares his tendency to forget things such as his homework, phone, and deodorant to his grandmother’s tendency to forget to lock the bathroom door. This helps to characterize Isaac as more self-aware than his parents give him credit for. He does want to do better and makes specific plans to improve, but he is fighting behavior patterns and the way his mind is naturally structured. This situation is part of the novel that establishes the theme of Feeling Inadequate Versus Being Enough.

“I lean in, offering a fist bump like Isaac taught me to do. Only each of the kids shakes my fist instead. Must be something middle school kids are doing.”

Knowing that he is often out of his depth in social situations, Marco’s first instinct is to rely on a behavior Isaac taught him, demonstrating The Role of Friendship in Overcoming Challenges. Since Marco’s belief that these kids are demonstrating a hip new middle-school behavior is mistaken, his comments create a comic form of dramatic irony. This incident characterizes Marco as naive in social situations and a loyal, trusting person who is ready to believe the best about his new friends.

“Dos Equis? Sadly, I know all about it. It’s one of Apá’s go-to beers.”

Isaac’s reaction to Alexxander’s nickname demonstrates the unfair burden that Apá’s drinking puts on Isaac. Although other kids might find the nickname funny or cool, Isaac’s situation at home means that he is reminded of deep, painful, and confusing feelings throughout his school day when he hears his classmates use his new friend’s nickname.