Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot is the 16th book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. It was released on October 26, 2021.[1] The story follows Greg Heffley as he reluctantly signs up for basketball.
Development
Big Shot was first teased by Jeff in April of 2020 through Twitter. In a response to a fan letter, he confirmed that he was writing both a 15th and 16th book.[3] The title and cover were later revealed on May 27, 2021.[4][5][6]
The cover of Big Shot depicts Greg with mismatched equipment from multiple different sports. According to Kinney, this was a design choice to communicate that the story was about sports in general, rather than only basketball.[7]
Plot
Greg decides that he isn't all that talented at sports and "retires". However, Field Day approaches and he decides to prepare. He then is "traded" from his class to another. His team ("class") placed 5th, with the cafeteria lunch ladies going on to win Field Day. His mom decides to convince Greg to give sports another chance. After much conversation, Greg reluctantly signs up for the basketball try-outs. After a horrible try-out session, he is picked for the worst team in the league. His team places last and are relegated to the "Second Chance Tournament", where Greg is traded out (once again) to the opposition in the finals; where he wins the game for the opposition after chucking a 3-pointer.[8]
References