BOOK BRIEF

Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream

Joshua Davis
Guide cover placeholder

Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Joshua Davis

Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography

Modern Classic Fiction

Education
Setting

Phoenix, Arizona • 2000s

Topic
Education

Politics & Government

Science & Nature
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

930L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream by Joshua Davis tells the inspiring true story of four undocumented high school students from Phoenix who enter a prestigious robotics competition. Against all odds, they build a successful underwater robot and challenge expectations, highlighting their determination and the broader struggle for the American Dream.

Inspirational

Emotional

Challenging

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.3

4,431 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Spare Parts by Joshua Davis is widely praised for its inspiring and poignant storytelling, depicting the challenges and triumphs of undocumented teens in a robotics competition. Reviewers commend Davis for bringing attention to immigration issues. Some critique the narrative for occasional lack of depth in character exploration, but the compelling real-life story remains impactful.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream?

Readers who enjoy Spare Parts are intrigued by underdog stories, robotics, and social issues. Similar to The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, it appeals to those who appreciate tales of perseverance against odds, teamwork, and the complexity of the American Dream.

4.3

4,431 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Biography

Modern Classic Fiction

Education
Setting

Phoenix, Arizona • 2000s

Topic
Education

Politics & Government

Science & Nature
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

930L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!