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The latest middle grade novel by three time Newberry winning author, Jennifer L. Holm. Release date: August 26, 2014 Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Why this book is great: (from a middle grade reader's point of view)
A review from my point of view for fellow writers and readers:
THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH by Jennifer L. Holm tells the story
of Ellie, an eleven year old who "has never liked change. She misses fifth
grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed
goldfish. Then, one day..." (from the books intro)
Now, I will continue in my own words:
A gawky, science-genius shows up in the form of a
teen-ager, but it's really her grandfather, who has been living nearby, but
with whom Ellie does not have a super-close relationship because her mother is
a drama-type, works in a theater, and her dad's (though mostly out of the
picture, except when he returns to fix the toilet) is a working, stage
actor.
Her grandfather has always given his daughter (Ellie's mom)
a hard time for not going into science. And considers drama for flakes. But
this new scientific influence, is just what Ellie needs, since she isn't the
showy-extraverted type anyway.
Without spoiling anything, let me just say, that this book
is a fun, cute, heartwarming and educational, and NOT SAPPY. It rang true to me, because Berkeley -- or Bes-erk-ly, as we used to call it -- is a free-spirit sort-of-place, with hippies and artists running amok, but also some amazing science going on. (Think Livermore Labs etc) and sometimes the two do collide.
This middle grade novel is
excellently written and structured, and worth studying for any writer of Middle
Grade fiction. I loved the way realism is enhanced just a tad with the fantasy
element of the grandfather-turned-young-again. Everything is handled in a
contemporary style, so it rings true. Just a little twist on reality. The characters are introduced well. And the short preface about the goldfish is just enough to give you a feel for the character's inner life, before heading into the story.
The theme is fairly evident in the beginning – the challenge
of a young person to take her older relative seriously for his amazing
accomplishments. The book creates
somewhat suspenseful premise to keep you engaged and turning pages. I
was hooked from the beginning because Ellie's voice is so genuine.
The story could have been a bit more suspenseful. It could have been more dramatic during the final conflict. But the change that the main character experiences
is gradual, and does not really hinge on the climax. Though, it is really the grandfather that is forced to make a tough choice.
The question of belief and standing up for what you feel is right -- an age old theme -- does often does mark a transition from childhood to adulthood that may kids experience around the age of 11 or 12. I hope young readers love this book as much as I did.
I highly recommend this book!!
Jennifer L. Holm is a three
time Newberry Honor recipient, and a NY Times bestselling author.
You can pre-order the book on Amazon. Let me know what YOU think. Write your own review in the comment section. Thanks.
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Comments
I love Jennifer Holm's books. I'm happy to hear this one is good as well. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI love Jennifer Holm's books. I'm happy to hear this one is good as well. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
ReplyDelete