Book review: Barely Missing Everything by Matt Mendez

 

Sometimes you pick up a book because an author you respect is quoted on the front or back cover. That's the case for me and Barely Missing Everything by Matt Mendez. Jason Reynolds, the 2020-21 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, is quoted on the front cover as saying "Sure to bring a quake to the literary landscape". He was right - this novel is powerful not only in the emotions that it stirs up but also in the perspective that it provides.

Best friends Juan and JD, and Juan's mom, Fabi, alternate narrating this story about life in a poor neighborhood in the southern U.S. border city of El Paso, Texas. Juan is a local high school hoops star, JD is an aspiring filmmaker and both Mexican-American young men want out of El Paso after high school. But no matter how hard they try, there are obstacles - some in their control, some not. Juan's mom, Fabi, is a struggling single mom who is wrestling with her past and uncertain about her future. 

This story is told from the perspective of young Hispanic people which is a perspective not often found in YA novels.  The three points of view give the story a great deal of depth and gives voice to the prejudices and discrimination against brown people. This is a book that will stir up emotions.