Books Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot Book by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot is the 16th book in Jeff Kinney’s internationally bestselling series. Released on October 26, 2021, the story finds Greg Heffley at odds with organized sports, blending the series’ signature humor and illustrations with a new twist on gym class misadventures and competitive spirit.

Plot Summary

Reluctant Athlete:
After a disastrous field day event at school, Greg decides he’s officially “retired” from all sports, convinced he simply isn’t athletic material.

Another Chance:
Greg’s mom urges him to try again, insisting that sports are about fun and teamwork. Reluctantly, Greg signs up for basketball.

Tryout Chaos:
Tryouts do not go as planned; to Greg’s surprise, instead of being left out, he’s placed on the worst team.

Season of Struggles:
The team faces repeated losses and comic mishaps throughout the season. Their chances of winning seem impossible.

The Big Moment:
As the season draws to a close, Greg finds himself in a position where everything is on the line. Will he rise to the occasion or “blow his big shot”?

Key Themes

Resilience: Emphasizes never giving up, even when success seems unlikely.

Teamwork: Showcases the ups and downs of working with others toward a common goal.

Self-acceptance: Greg learns that effort and participation matter as much as winning.

Publication Details

Why Read This Book?

Perfect for readers ages 8–12 who enjoy relatable school and family comedy.

Continues the diary-style storytelling with fresh humor about sports, competition, and friendship.

Offers lessons in perseverance and finding value in effort over outcome.

In Summary

Big Shot captures Greg Heffley at his funniest and most vulnerable, as he tackles team sports and discovers what it means to really give something his best shot—even if he isn’t destined for greatness on the court. The book’s witty take on underdog stories and school sports will resonate with longtime series fans and newcomers alike.

1 BOOK