Spare Parts (Young Readers' Edition): The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and an Impossible Dream

by Joshua Davis, Reyna Grande (Adapter)

A riveting true story about dreams, dedication, and an amazing robot named Stinky, based on Joshua Davis' New York Times bestseller and now adapted for young readers by bestselling Mexican American author Reyna Grande.

In 2004, four undocumented Mexican teenagers arrived at the national underwater robotics championship at the University of California, Santa Barbara. No one had ever told Oscar, Cristian, Luis, or Lorenzo that they would amount to much―until two inspiring high school science teachers convinced the boys to enter the competition. Up against some of the best collegiate engineers in the country, this team of underdogs from Phoenix, Arizona, scraped together spare parts and a few small donations to astound not only the competition's judges but themselves, too.

Adapted by Reyna Grande―author of the acclaimed memoir The Distance Between Us about her experience as an undocumented child immigrant―this young readers’ edition of Joshua Davis’s New York Times bestseller showcases these students’ ingenuity and courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Timely and empowering, Spare Parts is an accessible introduction to STEM, immigration, and the reality of the American Dream.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Stem

160 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2023

About the author

Joshua Davis is an American writer, film producer and co-founder of Epic Magazine.

Reviews

[Kimberly Mace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Spare Parts (Young Readers Edition)
Author: Joshua Davis and Reyna Grande
Genre: Middle grade, Non-fiction, Science
Recommended Ages: 5th-7th grade

Summary/ Review:
Spare parts: The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and an Impossible Dream is a true story based on the life of four undocumented citizens who join robotics class. It’s in robotics class, that new friendships are fostered. These young men have undeniable passion to prove themselves, and with high levels of competition bring about remarkable creativity, and inventiveness to take on MIT in the National Robotics Nationals Championship.

I really had a strong desire to love this biography about these strong willed young men, however, I felt it was missing an emotional connection piece for me. It started off quite strong by the novel started to lose my focus about half way. I do feel this novel would have been more appealing to young readers if it included pictures, or maybe became a graphic novel. I was visualizing what was happening throughout the story, but as the story progressed it become very difficult for me to continue reading.

Thank you to Joshua Davis, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#reluctantreaderreads #spareparts
#joshuadavis #reynagrande
#youngreadereditions
#netgalley
#advancedreadereditions

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2004, 4 undocumented teens from Texas took part in a national competition against much better funded high schools and colleges to build an underwater ROV. This true story is heart warming and shows what can be accomplished when young people have the support, encouragement, and environment they need and deserve in order to thrive. Unfortunately, when you find out what happens after their amazing victory, you find what happens when dreams are dashed because of petty politics and how immigration status spoils your future plans. (young readers edition)

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick nonfiction read tailored for Middle grade readers. It's an inspiring story, as well as an eye-opening one. Four English language learners from poorly-off families and a school in the middle of the desert learned robotics and built a remotely operated underwater vehicle that beat multiple collegiate robotics teams, in large part because they were creative and able to use everyday objects to solve engineering challenges, rather than relying on expensive, customized parts.

[Hilary Margitich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this. You really get to know these four teenagers--their childhoods, interests and hobbies, pain, and dreams. It is an inside look at what it looks and feels like to be a smart, driven, and undocumented child in America. There are dreams fulfilled, but also ones not. This story is amazing uplifting, while still keeping its feet on the ground in reality. A highly satisfying STEM adventure!

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not realize i was reading the young adult version until pretty much the end. Hopefully i did not lose much in doing so. It was entertaining. The style of short chapters each form one of the students perspective threw me at first, as I had trouble remembering who was who,k and I actually went back and reread several chapters to get ti straight, and after that it was fine, though not a style I would have used or really saw as necessary. An uplifting feel good real story is nice to read.

[Christine Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really inspiring story of four teens who persevered in difficult circumstances. I enjoyed the succinct quality of the young reader's edition and the photos of the boys as it switched perspectives.
There are hard issues of poverty and immigration status but they are dealt with in an honest and matter of fact way.
One thing that skews it older is one boy is beaten by his father.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story of ingenuity and team work.

My only question is about the timing of this version's publication. The four undocumented teenagers won the NASA competition in 2004. The book about their experiences was published in 2014. A movie was made about it in 2015. Why wait until 2023 for a young reader's edition?

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spare Parts is a really good story about four undocumented teenagers who build a robot. I really enjoyed reading it because the characters persevered and supported each other to achieve their goal. It was a heartfelt story and I really liked the characters. I would recommend it to anyone!!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this in my classroom and read it during our literary nonfiction unit. I couldn't stop telling my students "this is a great story" (Actually, I read the not YR edition...but still a great story!)

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

A good companion to the Aquilars' Piece by Piece: How I Built My Life (No Instructions Required). Would make a good high interest book for high school.

[Elley Shin · Rating 5 out of 5]

really digestible for younger readers, i'm surprised that it wasn't made into a children's book first since they're high schoolers. it makes me want to read the OG book now

[Aundria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick yet inspirational read.

[Kasey Giard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It’s broken down into short sections about each boy’s life, telling of their early childhood in Mexico, what circumstances brought them and their families to the United States, and what the transition to school in the US was like for them. In each boy’s chapters, we learn about their family life and how robotics inspired them in different ways.

For example, Lorenzo grew up watching his godfather fix cars with few tools and lots of ingenuity. The experience taught him to think outside the box and find solutions that work rather than reaching for expensive, flashy materials. Meanwhile, Cristian developed a love for home improvement shows, which taught him how to build things and use different types of tools. Oscar excelled in JROTC, where he learned how to be a great leader and get things done.

The pacing of the book was excellent as well. I felt like the narrative spent just enough time on different parts of the story. Each scene was a puzzle piece, set in place and adding to the picture, taking shape as I read. The short sections and clear writing made this one a really fast read.

I wish there had been some pictures of the team and the robot included in the book. I’m reading a pre-release version, so it’s possible there are in the book available for purchase. I’m not sure, but I hope so.

All in all, I think SPARE PARTS (Young Readers Edition) is an inspiring story, perfect for readers interested in STEM or anyone looking for a heartwarming story about an underdog team rising to victory.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.