Barely Missing Everything

Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the complexities of systemic inequality, the frustration of feeling 'stuck' by their circumstances, or the emotional weight of a parent's past. It is a vital resource for families looking to validate the experiences of young people who feel they must work twice as hard for half the recognition. The story follows Juan and Fab, two Mexican American teens in El Paso, as they navigate dreams of basketball stardom and filmmaking while facing poverty, racial profiling, and the discovery of family secrets. It explores deep themes of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of a future when the odds feel stacked against you. Parents will appreciate the raw, honest depiction of the 'borderlands' experience and the way it fosters empathy for the heavy burdens some teens carry. While it contains mature themes and realistic language, its authenticity makes it a powerful tool for opening doors to difficult conversations about justice and self-worth.