Painting Through the Rough

By David Aro

From school to sports, Dex is a high achiever. With a big executive for a mom and former collegiate athlete for a dad, success might as well be his middle name. But with the constant pressure to push himself, Dex's temper gets the best of him, again--this time on the green at golf tryouts. While serving a suspension from school sports, Dex discovers a new side of himself after artsy Hazel Green asks for his help on a painting. When her colorful paints mix with his pencil sketches, it grounds him in a way he's never felt before. But Hazel's home life threatens her ability to attend their private school. And Dex needs to figure out if he can control his fiery emotions as he returns to sports without her by his side. Can he risk the future he and his parents envisioned to follow his heart?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1978598084
• ISBN13: 9781978598089
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: West 44 Books
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12