“Ten Thousand Tries”
By Amy Makechnie.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2021, 375 pages, Grades 5-7.
There are some things in life that cannot be changed, no matter how hard we try. One such thing is the disease named Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Lou Gehrig was the brilliant first baseman for the New York Yankees from 1923-1939. After more than 17 years and 2,130 games of spectacular play, Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS. He would die two years later. The baseball world would be shocked that this outstanding athlete could become completely paralyzed by this horrible disease.
Amy Makechnie tells the heartbreaking story of one family coping with ALS. Throughout the novel, we see a family, particularly the son, Golden, living through the painful period of his father’s illness. The title of this beautifully written book is “Ten Thousand Tries.”
Golden Maroni, 12, loves soccer. He loves playing it, thinking about it, and sharing the sport with his parents. His father, Patrick, was a great player and then becomes a superb coach. His mother is also an excellent coach at Mudbury Middle School. Nicknamed the Magpies, the soccer program has grown into a force because of their creative coaching and dedication.
But life deals the Maroni family a serious challenge. Patrick is diagnosed with ALS. Golden refuses to believe that his dad cannot overcome this disease and begins extreme physical exercises, including weightlifting. He tries to have his dad do the same arduous workouts, thinking that all Patrick needs is a positive attitude and muscle strengthening.
Golden continues to completely deny that his dad can’t overcome this deadly illness. Patrick tries to please Golden, but soon can’t lift any of the weights. As the man loses his ability to walk—and later, to talk—young Golden lifts more weights and exercises with greater intensity. The boy badgers his increasingly helpless dad to keep working out with him. Golden keeps thinking that he can fix his dad through rigorous physical exercise.
As the soccer season opens, Golden is voted the team captain, along with his friend Lucy. Mrs. Maroni is now the head coach and tries to keep the team focused while she must confront the daunting challenges of her husband’s dire condition.
All the players on the Magpies want to win the Middle School Soccer Championship. They become a force in the league, through teamwork and hard work. However, Golden sees all of his dedication is not helping his father get better. He begins to fall apart.
As the championship nears, with the help of Lucy and his teammates, Golden starts to pull it together. With his father sitting in a wheelchair on the sidelines, the match begins. What happens?
What do Golden and the rest of the Maronis learn through this brutally painful time? How does Mr. Maroni continue to be a champion after he loses his ability to move? How do Golden’s friends and family help him to understand himself and others? To find the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out “Ten Thousand Tries” by Amy Makechnie.
This is a heartbreaking, moving, and ultimately, hopeful novel. Golden is a 12-year-old boy with the normal problems of middle school students. He and his family must face a terrifying reality. Makechnie shows them with their fears, pains and loving responses to each other and their friends. This is an exceptional book that will bring you to tears at times. However, Makechnie writes such a beautiful story of family support and love that the novel will move your heart. Golden’s growing awareness of his responsibilities to himself and others is remarkable.
I hope you get a chance to read “Ten Thousand Tries” by Amy Makechnie. It is well worth it.
