Two Under Par
by Kevin Henkes
Puffin Books 2005
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family change
- stepparents and blended families
- identity and self-discovery
- anger and forgiveness
- resilience
- sportsmanship
- belonging
- acceptance
About this book
In this realistic middle-grade novel, a boy struggles with big changes at home when his mom remarries and golf suddenly becomes a part of life he never asked for. Between a new stepfather, unfamiliar routines, and pressure to try a sport he doesn’t like, he wrestles with anger and feeling out of place. Over one summer, he discovers unexpected strengths, new friendships, and small ways to make peace with change. Thoughtful and relatable, it’s a quiet story perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven books about family and growing up.
Setting: a small Midwestern town centered around a local golf course, over a summer
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Two Under Par right for my child?
Yes — Two Under Par is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.8, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family change, stepparents and blended families, identity and self-discovery.
How long does it take to read Two Under Par?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Two Under Par takes around 2.5h to finish. The book has 23,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Two Under Par have an AR quiz?
Yes — Two Under Par has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Two Under Par?
Two Under Par has an AR reading level of 4.8, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.