One Last Shot

The beloved author of Ms. Bixby’s Last Day and Posted returns with a humorous and heartwarming story of family, friendship, and miniature golf.

For as long as he can remember, Malcolm has never felt like he was good enough. Not for his parents, who have always seemed at odds with each other, with Malcolm caught in between. And especially not for his dad, whose competitive drive and love for sports Malcolm has never shared.

That is, until Malcolm discovers miniature golf, the one sport he actually enjoys. Maybe it’s the way in which every hole is a puzzle to be solved. Or the whimsy of the windmills and waterfalls that decorate the course. Or maybe it’s the slushies at the snack bar. But whatever the reason, something about mini golf just clicks for Malcolm. And best of all, it’s a sport his dad can’t possibly obsess over.

Or so Malcolm thinks.

Soon he is signed up for lessons and entered in tournaments. And yet, even as he becomes a better golfer and finds unexpected friends at the local course, be wonders if he might not always be a disappointment. But as the final match of the year draws closer, the tension between Malcolm’s parents reaches a breaking point, and it’s up to him to put the puzzle of his family back together again.

Can one last shot at a miniature golf tournament really be the answer to his family’s problems?

• A Heartfelt Family Story: Malcolm is caught in the middle of his parents' constant arguments, hoping he's not the one to blame for the tension at home.
• A Different Kind of Sports Book: Forget baseball. For Malcolm, the real challenge is in the windmills and waterfalls of the miniature golf course—a game of puzzles he might actually be good at.
• Finding Your Passion: When mini golf just clicks, it’s more than a hobby; it’s the one thing that makes Malcolm feel like he’s truly good enough. At least, until his hyper-competitive dad gets involved.
• Humorous and Relatable: A funny, emotional, and unforgettable middle grade novel about family, friendship, and the surprising power of a perfect putt (and a good slushy).