One last shot to make everything right...
For as long as he can remember, Malcolm has never felt like he was good enough. Not for his parents, who always seemed at odds with each other, and especially not for his dad, whose competitive drive Malcolm has never shared.
That is, until Malcolm discovers miniature golf, the one sport he actually enjoys. Maybe it's the way in which every hole is a puzzle to be solved. Or the whimsy of the windmills and waterfalls that decorate the course. Or maybe it's the slushies at the snack bar. Whatever the reason, something about mini golf just clicks for him. And best of all, it's a sport his dad can't possibly obsess over. Or so Malcolm thinks.
Soon he is signed up for lessons and entered in tournaments. And yet, even as he becomes a better golfer and finds unexpected friends at the local course, he wonders if he might not always be a disappointment. But as the final match of the year draws closer, the tension between Malcolm's parents reaches a breaking point, and it's up to him to put the puzzle of his family back together again.
For as long as he can remember, Malcolm has never felt like he was good enough. Not for his parents, who always seemed at odds with each other, and especially not for his dad, whose competitive drive Malcolm has never shared.
That is, until Malcolm discovers miniature golf, the one sport he actually enjoys. Maybe it's the way in which every hole is a puzzle to be solved. Or the whimsy of the windmills and waterfalls that decorate the course. Or maybe it's the slushies at the snack bar. Whatever the reason, something about mini golf just clicks for him. And best of all, it's a sport his dad can't possibly obsess over. Or so Malcolm thinks.
Soon he is signed up for lessons and entered in tournaments. And yet, even as he becomes a better golfer and finds unexpected friends at the local course, he wonders if he might not always be a disappointment. But as the final match of the year draws closer, the tension between Malcolm's parents reaches a breaking point, and it's up to him to put the puzzle of his family back together again.
"Anderson beautifully blends tough topics and humor, perfecting the recipe for young readers. VERDICT Sure to be a well-loved addition to every collection, this belongs on the shelf of every library that serves middle grade readers."
- School Library Journal, starred review
"A well-crafted, emotionally resonant book, brightened by irrepressible wit." - Booklist, starred review
"At its best, the novel is first-rate, masterfully conveying Malcolm's anxious monitoring of rising marital conflict he's at a loss to fix.... Droll, moving, resonant." - Kirkus
- School Library Journal, starred review
"A well-crafted, emotionally resonant book, brightened by irrepressible wit." - Booklist, starred review
"At its best, the novel is first-rate, masterfully conveying Malcolm's anxious monitoring of rising marital conflict he's at a loss to fix.... Droll, moving, resonant." - Kirkus
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Frank's Selective Glossary of Miniature Golf Terms
ace: a hole-in-one, also called an Optimus Prime bad break: an unfortunate curve of the putt; also divorce birdie: one under par on a hole bogey: one over par on a hole chicken stick: term of endearment for your putter cup: where your trying to hit the ball; what slushies come in dook: short for dookie; a terrible shot double bogey: two over par on a hole Fritos and a frap: pre-tee-off breakfast hazard: your ex-wife; marriage in general; rent day lip out: when your ball circles around a hole but doesn't fall obstacle: anything standing in your way of happiness or success, see hazard putter: (n) the thing you hit the ball with; (v) to mope around the house in your undies slushy: the nectar of the gods swirly: when your ball circles around the hole before dropping The devil's butthole: whichever hole you are currently over par on thermo bag: a sack to keep your balls warm whiff: completely missing a shot yips: messing up a putt due to nerves |
