The Fourteenth Goldfish

What 11 year old describes an adult male as brooding? Fun and sweet, though, with good messages about tween friendship, science, and learning from your grandparents.

Cute short middle grade reader about science, family, and what really matters. I liked the earnest POV character, Ellie, and the way the story felt modern.

Aww, I really loved this one. Totally fun and charming family drama with a hint of sci-fi that delves into some ethical quandaries in a really cool way. Reminds me a little of [b:Tuck Everlasting 84981 Tuck Everlasting Natalie Babbitt https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1311978194s/84981.jpg 1955922] but it's more contemporary and lighthearted than that? A great one for tweens who are interested in science.

My 10-year old's science class is reading this book and I was TOLD I should read it, too! Okay, then!

Jennifer Holm does a nice job weaving what appears, at first, to be a fun story but actually has more serious topics peeping through. Such as growing apart from a childhood best friend and making a new friend you at first think seems weird and scary. Or parents who are no longer together and are making their way on different paths. And the double-edged sword of scientific progress.

But, most of all, read this book to meet MERVIN! Mervin Sagarsky is a riot and a treasure who stole just about every scene. He will certainly make readers of most ages laugh.

I look forward to turning my book report into my stepdaughter and getting her thoughts, as well as reading the next book in the series.