One Last Shot - by John David Anderson

About the Book

"For as long as he can remember, Malcolm has never felt like he was good enough ... That is, until Malcolm discovers miniature golf, the one sport he actually enjoys ... And best of all, its 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, he wonders if he might not always be a disappointment. But as the final match of the year draws closer, the tension between Malcolms parents reaches a breaking point, and its up to him to put the puzzle of his family back together again"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for FINDING ORION: "Eccentric yet believable characters and Rion's perceptive narration prevent Anderson's unpredictable tale from feeling overwrought as the relationships between three generations of fathers and sons are rewritten anew." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for FINDING ORION: "Humor, plot twists, and quirky characters abound in this earnest middle grade tale of self-discovery." - School Library Journal
Praise for GRANTED: "Anderson provides wonderfully convincing details about his imagined 'world of waning wonder, ' where fairies struggle to keep magic alive. A faithful dog, a good friend, and pinch of magic work wonders in this modern fairy tale." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Anderson beautifully blends tough topics and humor, perfecting the recipe for young readers." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"Readers will cheer when Malcolm finally comes into his own. A well-crafted, emotionally resonant book, brightened by irrepressible wit." - Booklist (starred review)
Praise for GRANTED: "A feel-good story that finds the magic in everyday things." - Publishers Weekly
Praise for POSTED: "Written with understated humor and fine-tuned perception, Frost's first-person narrative offers a riveting story as well as an uncomfortably realistic picture of middle school social dynamics." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
Praise for POSTED: "Anderson dives into the world of middle school with a clear sense of how it works and what it needs. Kids, and the rest of the world, need more books like this one." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)