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

**Spare Parts: An Incredible True Story of Overcoming the Odds** Experience the inspiring true story of resilience, ingenuity, and the pursuit of the American Dream with Joshua Davis's *Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream*. This compelling narrative, now a major motion picture, chronicles the remarkable journey of four Mexican-American students who defied expectations and proved their worth in a nation that often overlooked them. In 2004, Oscar, Cristian, Luis, and Lorenzo, four undocumented teenagers from Phoenix, Arizona, found themselves competing in the Marine Advanced Technology Education Robotics Competition at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Raised in an underfunded public high school, they had never been encouraged to dream big. However, two dedicated science teachers saw their potential and challenged them to build an underwater robot, an endeavor that seemed almost impossible given their circumstances. With limited resources and no prior experience, the boys scavenged for parts and pieced together a rudimentary robot. They faced formidable competition, including teams from prestigious universities like MIT, backed by substantial funding. While the MIT team enjoyed a $10,000 grant from ExxonMobil, the Phoenix teenagers scraped together less than $1,000. Their robot was far from polished, but it embodied their resourcefulness and determination. Against all odds, these four underdogs achieved the impossible: they won the competition! Their victory was a testament to their hard work, ingenuity, and the unwavering belief of their teachers. However, their triumph was only the beginning of their journey. *Spare Parts* delves deeper into the lives of these remarkable young men, exploring their struggles with identity, belonging, and the challenges of navigating the complex immigration system. Their story became a source of inspiration for the DREAMers movement, highlighting the contributions and potential of undocumented youth. The book follows their individual paths as they pursue higher education, face deportation, work menial jobs in Mexico, and even serve in the U.S. military in Afghanistan. Joshua Davis masterfully weaves together their personal stories with broader themes of immigration, education, and the pursuit of the American Dream. *Spare Parts* is more than just a feel-good story; it is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in the United States and the power of education to transform lives. It's a story about proving one's worth and claiming your space, even when the world seems determined to keep you out. This media tie-in edition is perfect for those who enjoyed the film and want to delve deeper into the inspiring true story. A New York Times Best Seller and finalist for the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, *Spare Parts* is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of hope, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a better future.