Spare Parts by Joshua Davis

Below are the discussion questions. I'll be getting there at 6:30-6:45 to hold down a table, feel free to come early to grab a drink or food, discussion has been starting promptly at 7pm.

1. How does the title Spare Parts function as a metaphor? What does it suggest about how society views these young men?
2. What does this story argue about the cost — to individuals and to society — of restricting opportunities based on citizenship status?
3. The story took place in the early 2000s. How do you think the boys' experiences would differ in today's political climate around immigration?
4. After reading this book, has your perspective on immigration, education, or opportunity changed in any way? If so, how?

Spare Parts by Joshua Davis tells the true story of four undocumented Mexican-American teenagers from Phoenix who, with limited resources, built an underwater robot and beat MIT to win a national robotics competition in 2004. The book chronicles their ingenuity, the challenges of poverty and immigration, and the uncertain future they faced despite their success, becoming an inspiration for the DREAMers movement.