PAINTING THROUGH THE ROUGH

A high-achieving high school golfer discovers unexpected artistic talents while navigating parental pressure and anger management issues.

Dex excels at everything—sports, academics, and meeting his successful parents’ sky-high expectations. His mother is a COO, his father a former college athlete turned real estate broker who preaches “Play / the long game. // Plan / for the future.” When Dex’s volatile temper costs him a spot on the varsity golf team, he’s given a monthlong suspension from sports. During this exile, he finds refuge in the art room where his classmate and love interest, Hazel (who’s facing her own family issues), introduces him to painting. Their collaborative artwork becomes both a creative outlet and a path to emotional regulation for Dex, while offering Hazel the hope of winning much-needed prize money to cover the tuition at their private school. Aro’s verse novel employs sparse, straightforward language that efficiently conveys Dex’s internal struggles without unnecessary flourishes. The golf glossary—presented at the beginning of the book—proves helpful for readers unfamiliar with the sport’s terminology. The story refreshingly portrays a male athlete exploring artistic expression, although the pretty cover design may not appeal to the very readers who would benefit most from Dex’s journey. The story wraps up with conflicts being neatly and easily resolved, but the core message about finding healthy outlets for intense emotions resonates. Dex and Hazel present white.

An accessible story for reluctant readers about balancing stress with self-discovery.