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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Ellie's Grandpa Melvin has always been an odd science guy, but when he shows up at her house looking like a 14-year-old boy, even Ellie is a bit stunned. It seems he has finally discovered the key to being forever young. Melvin starts attending Ellie's school and prompts a whole slew of changes in Ellie in her life. She now has a budding interest in science and a new (boy) friend, and Melvin has recruited them both to help get his research out of his lab. But the more Ellie learns about Melvin's and other scientist's work, the more she wonders if the world is ready for eternal youth.
Jennifer L. Holm brings a touching story to the middle grade arena with THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. The story has no shortage of humor, but it's the touch of melancholy permeating it that brings a higher level of emotional meaning to it. Melvin is a fantastic, wacky character, who brilliantly toes the line between crotchety old man and hormonal teenager. Ellie is thoughtful, smart, and is on a wonderful path of discovery. This book questions what it means to be young, puts a new light on growing old, and brings up some very thoughtful questions about science and its role in all our lives.
Jennifer L. Holm brings a touching story to the middle grade arena with THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. The story has no shortage of humor, but it's the touch of melancholy permeating it that brings a higher level of emotional meaning to it. Melvin is a fantastic, wacky character, who brilliantly toes the line between crotchety old man and hormonal teenager. Ellie is thoughtful, smart, and is on a wonderful path of discovery. This book questions what it means to be young, puts a new light on growing old, and brings up some very thoughtful questions about science and its role in all our lives.
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Interesting book. Interesting concept, and lots of great questions raised. As always, Holm has a firm grasp of her characters, both fantastic and true-to-life. There are profoundly heavy things at play in this book, but it all reads as easy as cotton candy. It will leave readers thinking, however, and perhaps eager to start discoveries of their own.
Holm does it again! A great middle school book - grandpa discovers how to reverse his aging process and ends up a teenager with his middle school age granddaughter, who learns a lot about science and being proud of yourself from him. Ethics, happiness, and genetics play a central role!
So so good.
So so good.
Ellie's grandfather Melvin discovers a way to reverse aging, becomes a teenager, and moves in with Ellie and her mother. While there, Melvin recruits Ellie to help him try to get his research out of his lab. When they need help, Melvin also recuits Raj who Ellie quickly becomes close to. Ellie also discovers an unknown love of science and her mother's relationship with her boyfriend progresses where it was stagnat.
Fourteenth Goldfish was a fun, fast read. Ellie was a very likeable character.
Fourteenth Goldfish was a fun, fast read. Ellie was a very likeable character.
Fun science fiction. Imagine having your grandparent be your peer. Lots of humor fused into a thought provoking topic - if you could find the fountain of youth, would you want to take advantage of it? I think this would be of interest to those in 6th grade and up - maybe 5th
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was relatively grown up despite being a very easy read. I plan to use this book with a future fourth grader this summer to stay engaged and keep up with the Rebecca Caudill nominees, and there are certainly some grown up topics covered here.
However, the book has a great message. Ellie is very level headed and a great observer, allowing for a good read that gives the reader plenty of information to keep up with the events as they happen.
However, the book has a great message. Ellie is very level headed and a great observer, allowing for a good read that gives the reader plenty of information to keep up with the events as they happen.
Funny, quirky, but also inspiring! Great for middle grade students. When I was half way through the book, I thought the bits and pieces were interesting, but I did not know where the book was going? What would be the climax of the story? But the last few chapters tied everything back together nicely. This can be just a fun read, but it can also lead to some serious discussions. I like the statement when Ellie correct the judge who presided over her mother's second wedding " to happy beginning!" And of course the toast among Ellie, Melvin, and Raj, " To the possibles!"