Spare Parts: book, movie & documentary

Which Spare Parts are you looking for?

For the historical team and original sources, start with our Spare Parts true-story guide. For the actors, use the 2015 cast and character guide.

How do the Spare Parts book and movie differ?

Two real teachers become one film character

George Lopez plays Fredi Cameron in the drama. The real mentors were Fredi Lajvardi and Allan Cameron. Lajvardi explained the composite role in his July 2014 Arizona PBS interview. When comparing versions, keep the movie character’s decisions separate from claims about either teacher. Our school and mentors guide gives that distinction more context.

The book extends beyond the victory

The publisher’s reading guide describes an account that continues into the decade after the 2004 competition. That makes it a useful companion when a movie discussion ends at the contest. Our dated follow-ups on the real students offer additional checkpoints; an older book or interview does not establish someone’s current job or circumstances.

A shared story does not make every scene a historical record

For a comparison essay, identify the exact scene, then the book chapter or historical source you are comparing it with. Distinguish a changed detail from something one version simply leaves out. A scene can support a point about the movie’s storytelling; checking what happened requires evidence about the real team.

The publisher’s book page identifies Joshua Davis as the author. Its reading guide credits his reporting as the basis for the movie. You can also read his earlier 2005 WIRED story, “La Vida Robot,” to trace the reporting before the film.

Is Underwater Dreams the same movie?

No. Underwater Dreams is a separate documentary. Its official website identifies Mary Mazzio as writer and director and Michael Peña as narrator, and documents its 2014 release. The George Lopez film is the 2015 drama. Sharing a real team and competition does not make them interchangeable titles.

To see which film an assignment names, check the title, year and filmmaker. The documentary’s official site has its own viewing information; our Spare Parts viewing guide covers the 2015 drama.

Try a 20-minute comparison activity

Use a scene you have watched and a passage or interview you can cite. This original activity works with a short selection; it does not require watching two complete films in one lesson.

1. Choose one claim. For example: who mentored the students, or what support helped the team solve a problem?
2. Record two references. Note the movie timestamp and a book page, interview passage or article section. Write the title and creator beside each.
3. Describe the difference. Is a person combined with another, an event emphasized, or later context added? Explain the evidence before interpreting the choice.
4. State a limit. What can neither selection establish? Suggest a source that would help you check it.

Use our printable movie discussion worksheet for a longer session. For book-specific prompts, use Macmillan’s reading guide.