Penny's Reviews and Chat

MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

The Fourteenth Goldfish

By Jennifer Holm

I was looking for a middle grade book and sampled “The Fourteenth Goldfish” by Jennifer L. Holm. I liked the beginning. The preschool teacher gives all her students  a goldfish and said “The goldfish will teach your child about the cycle of life,” since goldfish don’t last very long. But this goldfish lasted until 5^th grade. How was this possible? Because mom kept replacing the goldfish as each died. So the main character didn’t know until one morning Ellie finds her goldfish, the 13^th goldfish, floating lifeless. In this case, Ellie didn’t learn about the cycle of life from losing her goldfish because she’d been protected by her mother.

But the specter of the short life cycle of a goldfish hangs over the story—a foreshadowing of the story plot. Life is short. I could try not to give it away, but if I don’t tell you something about the plot, there won’t be much to write here. 

I can tell you the story is entertaining and has a science theme. This is especially good, since the main character is a girl and we want to encourage girls in science and math. In point of fact, I didn’t even know the main character was a girl until the end of the first chapter. That’s also good since by then even boys might be hooked in the story. It’s not a girls only story.

The story gets a little weird science when one day Ellie’s drama teacher mom is called to pick up Ellie’s grandfather, Melvin, at the police station. When she returns, she’s looking much more frazzled than ever. The grandfather turns out to be a thirteen year old. How and why is that possible? Because as a scientist he’s discovered a way to reverse aging! Yes, that’s the plot line. Through Melvin’s research he’s discovered how to reverse aging—the fountain of youth is within mankind’s grasp. All they have to do is break into Melvin’s lab and steal the proof. Then there will be no more dying. We can all live forever. Is that a good thing or not? You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.

This book is highly recommended for boys and girls, ages 8-12. “The Fourteenth Goldfish” celebrates family, friendship, learning, science, and helps us see how dying fits in with living.

Information on author Jennifer L. Holm is at www.jenniferholm.com

Reviewed by:

Penelope Anne Cole
Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea 
and Mágico Mateo (Spanish)

New: Magical Mea Goes to School

For Halloween: Ten Little Tricksters
Web:  http://www.penelopeannecole.com/