One Last Shot

Gr 4 Up--Malcolm, a quirky kid who hears voices in his head, feels like he just keeps falling short. He's torn between his parents, who are on the brink of separation, and wrongly assumes he is the reason for their unhappiness. When Malcolm's father commandeers his son's newfound interest in miniature golf, Malcolm reluctantly agrees to sign up for a tournament. Malcolm hopes that if he can ace the tournament, his parents might reconcile. Along the way, he finds a new best friend in Lex, who helps him navigate the ache of divorced parents. And then there's Frank, a washed-up golfer turned golf coach who seems to be in it just for the lesson payments, but transforms into a confidant and role model. Malcolm soon learns that golf has a lot more to do with life than he ever thought, and that he's not responsible for fixing his family. As in his previous novels, Anderson beautifully blends tough topics and humor, perfecting the recipe for young readers. Malcolm's struggles with his love and heartbreak for his parents, and the news of the loss of a premature brother, will resonate with readers as he negotiates the new roles in his family. VERDICT Sure to be a well-loved addition to every collection, this belongs on the shelf of every library that serves middle grade readers.--Amy McInerney, Falmouth Elementary School, ME

Malcolm Greeley, 12, feels bad about disliking the sports that his father adores. So when he shows some flair for miniature golf and his dad jumps on it, finding Malcolm a coach and enrolling him in a league complete with tournaments, Malcolm goes along. Pleasing his father feels good, but it also causes further friction between his parents, who already fight a lot. Then there are the voices Malcolm hears: the one he's named Aleck, who says things Malcolm would never dare utter aloud, and the one that has him believing in his worst fears and insecurities. Countering that voice is Malcolm's warm relationship with his golf coach, Frank, as well as his new friendship with Lex, a girl he meets at the mini golf course. Chapters opening with golf tips intersperse the big tournament with the events leading up to it. Malcolm's desire to get along with his dad without upsetting his mother is well wrought, as are his anxieties and fears, expressed through the voices he hears. Light moments, such as Frank's cheerfully nutty stories, balance Anderson's (Finding Orion) serious themes, as does Malcolm's sympathetic and open narration. Ages 8-12. (May)