Spare Parts

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

By: Joshua Davis

Narrated by: Will Damron

Joshua Davis's Spare Parts--now a major motion picture--is a story about overcoming insurmountable odds and the young men who proved they were among the most patriotic and talented Americans in this country—even as the country tried to kick them out.

Four undocumented Mexican American students, two great teachers, one robot-building contest . . .

In 2004, four Latino teenagers arrived at the Marine Advanced Technology Education Robotics Competition at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They were born in Mexico but raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where they attended an underfunded public high school. No one had ever suggested to Oscar, Cristian, Luis, or Lorenzo that they might amount to much—but two inspiring science teachers had convinced these impoverished, undocumented kids from the desert who had never even seen the ocean that they should try to build an underwater robot.

And build a robot they did. Their robot wasn't pretty, especially compared to those of the competition. They were going up against some of the best collegiate engineers in the country, including a team from MIT backed by a $10,000 grant from ExxonMobil. The Phoenix teenagers had scraped together less than $1,000 and built their robot out of scavenged parts. This was never a level competition—and yet, against all odds . . . they won!

But this is just the beginning for these four, whose story—which became a key inspiration to the DREAMers movement—will go on to include first-generation college graduations, deportation, bean-picking in Mexico, and service in Afghanistan.

Finalist for the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize
New York Times Best Seller

©2014 Joshua Davis (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Perhaps the most gripping popular-science book I have read.” —Noel Sharkey, Nature

“A great feel-good tale of scrappy underdogs beating long odds. But there's more to the story, and Spare Parts illuminates the human side of two polarizing political issues: immigration and education . . . Spare Parts is a delightful book . . . A great American story.” —Peter Carlson, The Washington Post

“Spare Parts is an unforgettable tale of hope and human ingenuity. Against a backdrop of urban desert decay, a faltering school system, and our country's cutthroat immigration policies, Joshua Davis offers a moving testament to how teamwork, perseverance, and a few good teachers can lift up and empower even the humblest among us.” —Héctor Tobar, author of Deep Down Dark

a true focus on immigration status

the story will inform those who need to be informed regarding the difficult situation we have in this country and the lives of immigrants who were brought here as children illegally

inspiring

The inscription on the Statue of Liberty should be written upon all of our hearts. we have so much in this country and we all can share! This should inspire people to action.

Inspirational story

Riveting true story full of twists and turns, ups and downs. It also brings to light immigration issues from a very personal point of view that educates beyond the perspectives of the media and politicians.

Good book

What an inspiring (and enlightening) story. It was well worth listening to. Now I'm intrigued to see the movie.

Beautiful story, exciting performance

This is a beautiful true story, told with emotion and enthusiasm. I have recommended it to friends and, most of all, to my kids.

the book was so much better than the movie

enjoyed getting to know and understand these characters and feeling my way through their experience. the movie was a feel good snapshot part of the story, the book is excellent.

my childhood explained

this gave me a unique perspective of my childhood. latterly I was in 4th grade when this story began and a lot of the facts about how some Americans viewed immigration. just blew my mind. I work on a great environment except for the hole nc state get your laws straighten out. your ruining us. my coworkers have always been so supportive. I couldn't imagine trying to get through college during that time.

The storyline

Cool and amazing underdog story shows that anybody can do anything you put your mind to

Inspiring and pregnant

this is an amazing story that needed to be told. It is about triumph and injustice.
I really enjoyed it.

Great Book, Great Story!

I personally enjoyed the story. The book is great but the movie isn't that great. I would recommend only reading the book.