The Fourteenth Goldfish

I LOVED it!!!
I wish I had read this book while I was in middle school! I think it had EVERYTHING I would have wanted!
The way the Information was so gently handed to the reader, would have prompted me to find other books to further research the scientists, they were so well explained.
The family issues, and interactions were believable. Growing out of one relationship and into another as we all do, as the one between Ellie and her best friend and having divorced parents is a part of life. So much was brought full circle!!
I loved the beginning about the 13 goldfish, the part where Ellie realized about her 14th goldfish was beautiful!
The phrase "To the possible!" is one of hope and faith, a great message to promote.
The endings/beginnings theme throughout the book was very well done.
The relationship with Melvin and Ellie and her mother again is a cycle theme, and the smaller issues that keep revolving give this story strength.
I think Melvin convinced me to re-read "Catcher in the Rye".
I enjoyed the slippers bit!

This review was originally posted on matinasbookcase.com

The Fourteenth Goldfish is the lighthearted story of Ellie a young girl who's just started 6th grade and her grandfather who's just discovered the key to the fountain of youth. This story was a delight from start to finish with it's crazy situations and delightful approach to science.

Jennifer Holm did an amazing job presenting science in a way that will really appeal to kids. Her engaging characters and plot did a great job highlighting the joys of discovery and science. There were times I found myself wanting to go look up more information on something they were discussing. I also really liked how Jennifer not only talked about the good that comes from science but the dangers as well.

Not only did this book do an excellent job of inspiring scientific curiosity but it did a great job of showing the difficulties of starting a new grade, making friends, and trying to navigate your way in the confusion of middle school. The author did a great job talking about new beginnings and the cycle of life. I loved the themes in this book! I found myself learning and re-learning lessons that I've forgotten in the bustle of life.

From the thoughtful main character, Ellie to her eccentric, Grandpa Melvin the characters in this book are a delight to get to know. Each one has a distinct personality and character. Their relationships grow and change through the book while never feeling forced. The setting and imagery in the book is also well done, as well as the pacing. And did I mention this book is hilarious? I had so much fun reading it. Grandpa Melvin's personality and older perspective was often hilarious when he was faced with new things like going back to school and having 'fun'.

I loved The Fourteenth Goldfish. I loved it's themes, it's emphasis on science, it's story, and especially Ellie. I'd recommend this book to any young person interested in science, who's starting middle school, or who just needs a good funny story about a grandpa who's turned himself young again.

Note: I received an electronic copy of this book from Netgalley for my fair and honest review which I have stated above.

I received a free kindle copy of The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm from NetGalley for fair review.

I gave it five stars because it was entertaining, evocative & thought provoking. It also brought up moral-ethical issues about 'the fountain of youth'.

...."a toilet that's always getting clogged. I secretly think it's haunted by all the fish that were flushed down it."

It's written from the point of view of Ellie who is a precociously bright eleven year old. Her mother is a drama teacher. One night she unexpectedly Had to pick up her grandfather from the police station. She returned home to a babysitter that quit with no notice <spoiler alert> & brought with her an impudent teenage boy about thirteen. </spoiler>

"Middle school is like one of those highway restrooms in the middle of nowhere. It's dirty & smelly & it's crowded with strange people."

"Things are a little different with my grandfather living with us." It was about his coming of age, again.

Discussing the progress in science, Ellie's mother Lissa is surprised when Ellie says: "There's a lot of romance', I insist. She looks confused. 'Really? Who are they in love with?' 'Possibility.'

"The music pounds like a pulse through the floor, & it's so loud, you can't think. It feels like the undertow of the ocean, & I'm just swept along, everthing reduced to senses."

I agree with this quote: Grandpa Melvin quotes Salk: "Our greatest responsibility is to be good ancestors."

Link to purchase: http://www.the store.com/gp/product/B00IQRN4PW?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00IQRN4PW&linkCode=xm2&tag=injoslifethin-20

Ellie has a fairly normal life. While her parents are divorced they remain friends. Having just entered junior high school Ellie is starting to learn that growing up can change things that you thought would never change. Your lifelong best friend suddenly has new interests and friends. Your babysitter would rather work in the mall than watch you. You learn a shocking truth about your goldfish after it dies. It’s all tough enough to adjust to without your mad scientist grandfather showing up in the body of a thirteen year old.

Ellie gets to know her grandfather, Melvin, as she never had before, much to the dismay of Ellie’s mom. Ellie’s parents are actors, they've always pushed the arts on Ellie and now here’s grandpa telling her all about how great science is. Melvin and Ellie end up spending a lot of time together — attending school together, attempting to get back into Melvin’s office, making new friends together, and of course disagreeing with each other.

An old man disappearing and a young one showing up in his place? That cannot last forever, right? Melvin needs to reverse what happened to him, right? He needs to fix the mess he’s created. But what if Melvin kind of likes the mess he's created? What if he thinks this whole situation will win him awards and spare him from all of the negatives that old age brings.

A sweet story about a young girl who finally really gets to know her grandfather. A girl who starts to figure out what interests her and starts to question everything. And it’s the story of a man who misses being young, misses all he’s lost.

I have only one real complaint — the ending It felt like a teaser for a series option and this book didn’t need that.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think you’ll hate?

"The Fourteenth Goldfish"
Written by Jennifer L. Holm
(Random House, 2014)
. . . .

NOTE: spoilers below, sort of
. . . .

In this humorous short, tweenage novel, author Jennifer Holm touches on some potent philosophical issues, concerning mortality and scientific innovation, and the law of unintended consequences. The protagonist is an eleven-year old middle-schooler named Ellie whose bohemian, Bay Area mother has always been at odds with her own father, an eminent scientist who pushed his daughter to go into science and disapproved of her choice of a theater career. The tables turn when Ellie's cranky, self-absorbed grandfather shows up in a teenage body, having cracked the code to reverse aging, and has to move in to Ellie's house, posing as her cousin while he figures out how to get the credit for his monumental discovery. This "Freaky Friday"-style scenario plays out slowly, with Ellie's mother and grandfather adjusting to a new power dynamic (suddenly Grandpa Melvin is the "kid," and has to follow someone else's rules) while Ellie discovers that she and Melvin have a lot in common, particularly a passion for scientific enquiry.

The book has a light tone, but in the end, Ellie finds herself perhaps a more keen critical thinker than her grandfather, as she reflects on the hidden downsides of the work of some of her newfound scientific idols -- Marie Curie dying of radiation poisoning, and Robert Oppenheimer unleashing the atomic bomb. She realizes before her ego-driven grandfather does that a world without aging or death might not be as utopian as one imagines, and finds herself at odds with Grandpa, who is obsessed with getting recognition for his work. Although the tone is comedic and light, the book raises some substantive issues, though not in a heavy-handed way. Good both as an old-fashioned, not-too-dark "How To Eat Fried Worms" kid's book, and also as a way to open up a child's interest in science and its possible ramifications. recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain children's book reviews)

I loved this book great for 4th and 5th grade. I thought it was a book about a gold fish but no. I was a book about a girl who's grandfather is a scientist a mother who is drama teacher father is a actress. Ithink this book opened my heart a lot and if I had to read this or have an endless supply of books Iwould choose this because it is inspiring it's awesome. if you want to buy it for a fourth and/or fifth then you can take it from me because I am a fourth grader and almost fifth. I hope you found this helpful. P.S: if you put below you should a very good reason. loved this book

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a quirky little story that effectively combines a great deal of humor, unique, well developed characters, and a plot that is just shy of ridiculous to create a story about family that is surprisingly heart felt. This is a short, fast paced read that plunges right in from the first chapter and never lets up.

Ellie is starting sixth grade feeling lonely. Her best friend has moved on in another direction, and Ellie has yet to find her place in a middle school full of kids who all seem to be good at something. After her mom gets called unexpectedly to the police station one night, she discovers that her grandfather has found the fountain of youth and now appears as a 13 year old boy.

This story would be just too ridiculous if the author wasn't able to ground it so firmly in reality with the introduction of realistic family concerns. The relationship that develops between 11 year old Ellie and her 13 year old grandfather is very touching, and rings with authenticity and true emotion. The characters here are just so well done, I was soon totally invested in this wild plot and eager to find out what would happen next.

Perhaps my favorite part of this story is Ellie's growth. She is inspired by her scientist grandfather and finds an interest that helps her become more confident in who she is. My only problem with this book is the abrupt manner in which the premise is introduced. It didn't take long for me to become charmed by this story that reinforces the value of family, scientific exploration, and finding out and being proud of who you are. The Fourteenth Goldfish is an enthusiastic recommend for grades 3-6.

It’s a fun story centering around eleven-year old Ellie and her grandfather. Bickering with her mother, a young male makes his way into the house accompanying Ellie’s mom wearing polyester pants and a tweed jacket. Ellie thinks this teen looks a bit like her grandfather but how can that be? This thirteen- year old youngster cannot be her seventy-six year old grandfather. With twenty-twenty vision, a head of hair, arthritis gone and his hearing good as new, Ellie grandfather has found the way to reverse aging. He then used this treatment upon himself. Reading this, I thought of the movie, Big and I was excited. To be young again, really young, would I go back in time and live my life over? Grandpa did something terrific but would he be able to reap the benefits? Did he want to be a kid again and have fun or was he just doing this for science since he was a scientist? Grandfather feels like he has the world at his hands but first, he needs to deal with the implications of being young and no one recognizing him. Ellie gets a lot of grandpa time as he is now her babysitter and he must also go to school with Ellie as he adjusts to being a teenager again. The author does a terrific job adding lots of fascinating science facts and details into the storyline all throughout the story. Science is a process and the two of them discover parts of the process together. The duo of Ellie and her grandfather, these two are quite something at school and home. Grandfather has years of experience and education but in a body of an adolescent and his granddaughter, she’s young but she’s sharp also. They are truly a remarkable pair.

I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley and Random House BFYR in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

This novel is another 2016-2017 Golden Sower nominee, and I enjoyed it. Ellie, the 11-year-old narrator, is starting middle school. She is a typical sixth grader in many ways, and Holm describes Ellie’s thoughts, feelings and issues in an appropriate way (i.e. it’s safe for elementary school kids to read). However, Ellie is atypical in the most unusual way: her grandfather is a scientist who has created a formula to reverse aging. Her grandfather is a teenager again and living with Ellie and her mom. Both Ellie and her grandpa love science, inventors and the scientific method. This book will be loved by scientists of all ages. Holm did a superb job with the characters. A sequel is on the way.

“’She didn’t care about jewelry or perfume or any of that. But she liked a good pair of bedroom slippers. The kind that were fuzzy on the inside. I gave her new ones every year on our anniversary. Silly when you think about it.’ But it doesn’t sound silly to me. It sounds like love,” (p. 66).

“I get what she’s trying to say: like is precious and we don’t realize that at the time. But maybe life’s also precious because it doesn’t last forever. Like an amusement park ride. The roller coaster is exciting the first time. But would it be as fun if you did it again and again and again?” (p. 177-178).

What if someone truly discovered the fountain of youth? What if you could go backward in age and live life over again? It is these questions and many more that this book focuses on. That and fuzzy slippers. Can't forget those.

I enjoyed this. There are a lot of unique and interesting concepts in the middle grade fiction genre, and this book explores them well. I liked the voice of the narrator and her views on life. I also appreciated the way the author approached the situation with the grandfather. This is written in such a way that it is almost believable that these things could really happen.

Jennifer L. Holm did a good job finding and pointing out the things that make us young and giving a direct comparison to those things which show our age. The way she explored the differences between the two was fascinating and often times laugh out loud funny.

The story flow was relaxed but the pace wasn't slow. I enjoyed the humour throughout this title and think kids would have a lot of fun with it. There are few times when I read a book and then burn with curiosity about what happens to the characters after, but I hope, in this case we get to find out.

I'd definitely recommend this book and not just to kids.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own

11 year-old Ellie’s life has been marked by change. Her actor/director parents are divorced, her babysitter quits to pierce ears at the mall, her best friend has all-but disappeared in pursuit of her volleyball-obsession, and then a strange teenage boy comes home with her mom one night, claiming to be her grandfather, Melvin. Nearly arrested for “trespassing” in his own lab, he is determined to retrieve the very-special T Melvinus, the jellyfish specimen that enabled him to reverse the aging process. Ellie’s grandfather has discovered the fountain of youth! With Melvin around, Ellie discovers a passion for science and begins to look at the world in a different way. She learns that scientists are “in love with the possible” despite her mother’s claim that science lacks drama and flair. Ellie and her new friend Raj set out to help Melvin break into his lab and steal the jellyfish so he can win the Nobel prize and secure a place in science textbooks forever. But is messing with the cycle of life really a good idea?

In this fun, occasionally silly, but surprisingly thoughtful book, Newbery-winning author Jennifer L. Holm explores the driving forces behind scientific discovery and the ethical questions that restrict it. Although many famous scientists have cameos on these pages, the two central figures are Jonas Salk and Robert Oppenheimer. Melvin equates Salk’s cure for polio with Oppenheimer’s creation of the atomic bomb. But Ellie’s science teacher forces her to confront the question of what happened “after” each of those discoveries, and she must then ask herself and her grandfather - what might it mean to change the world forever? This story is a great introduction to ethics in science for younger readers age 11 and up, and makes a solid jumping-off point for discussions of scientists such as Salk, Oppenheimer, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Louie Pasteur, and others mentioned by Holm. The back of the book includes a page of further resources for finding additional information on the topics discussed. This is an excellent choice for boys and girls interested in science, or for anyone who wants to believe in the possible.

Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade, her best friend and even her recently departed pet goldfish.

One day a strange boy shows up at her house. He looks a lot like Ellie's grandfather, a scientist who's always been interested in discovering a fountain of youth. Could this teenager really be Grandpa Melvin?

This story explores questions about science, family, friendship, immortality and possibility.

It has been a long time since I have read a fiction book for middle school students. This book was a real joy to read. It deals with the cycle of life in a way that children will understand that growing old is a natural part of life and should not be feared.

The humorous interactions between Ellie and her now teenage Grandpa Melvin are just priceless. Grandpa has the experience and knowledge of a senior citizen but is now living in the body of a teenager. He teaches Ellie to love science and to believe in herself...and the possible.

I think this book will be popular with both girls and boys. It would be a perfect read-aloud selection for middle school classrooms and homeschool environments. I predict this will be another award-winning book for Ms. Holm. Highly Recommended!

Ellie's grandfather is a scientist who has made himself a teenager again by using a rare species of jellyfish. He comes to live with Ellie and her mom because of his new age. Ellie is going through a lot of life changes. Her old friend has gone on to new things. Ellie is interested in everything she learns from her grandfather about science and scientists. She decides she may want to be a scientist. She makes a new friend, Raj who likes science too. The story follows the antics of Ellie's grandfather and the changes Ellie must adjust to as well as the question of just because you can do something with science, should you?

What I like best about the story is the interesting characters including Ellie, Raj, the grandfather, her mother and Ben the mother's boyfriend. I like the facts about science that make you think. I like how Ellie looks at her life and although leaving things behind is sad, she moves on to new things and enjoys the process of growing up. I like how Ellie brings up the point that life is a cycle and death is an important part of that cycle. Without it the cycle is broken.

I did not particularly like the voice the story was written in. It felt a bit random and jumpy at times without a nice smooth flow. It took me longer to finish the book because of this.

I recommend this book. It is advertized for grades 3-7 which a wide range, but this story actually works for. The story was interesting and different and I learned something which is always a refreshing change.

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Newbery Honor winner Jennifer L. Holm is a charming tale about 12 year old Ellie and her experiences in her first year of middle school. Ellie's drama teacher mom and her scientist grandfather have not been close. However, Grandpa Melvin's experimentation to reverse aging turns him back to a 13 year old boy who now lives with Ellie and her mom and goes to school with Ellie. During the time Ellie and Grandpa Melvin spend together, Ellie learns much about her grandfather and grandmother, develops her interest in science, deals with changes in friendships and interests as she begins growing up, and makes the gigantic ethical leap to understand the concept that just because you can doesn't mean you should.

This book is peppered with science information in a light and entertaining way, showing how discovery leads to discovery and that true scientists do not give up, but keep trying, following their belief in all things possible. It also gives great support to young girls following their passions in STEM fields, a very important message.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Fourteenth Goldfish.

When Ellie's scientist-Grandfather creates a compound that he hopes is a Fountain of Youth, he moves in with Ellie and her mother as a surly 13 year old with old man sensibilities. He's also very much a scientist - an important scientist with a fan club in Finland! - and he's constantly talking to Ellie about science and scientists as they embark on an adventure to rescue his research project from the laboratory that a 13 year old Melvin can't enter.

It's a fun book and well written. It's rated for middle school, but I think its best use might be for precocious younger readers or for parents to read aloud to younger kids - some middle school kids may already be too cynical to appreciate the nuance of the story. The immersion in science and scientific ideas woven within the plot is not subtle. But, the subtle questions of what is age and what is aging and what would happen if everyone turned themselves 13 again are well worth addressing. The celebration of science includes an exploration of ambivalence and the reality that scientific breakthroughs can cause harm as well.

I enjoyed reading it as an adult, and a reader of any age ready for chapter books could enjoy it.

I loved this book and am confident that children will love it also! I have heard of the scientists mentioned, but almost felt like I was discovering them again, only through the eyes of a young person. The relationship between Ellie and her grandfather developing and changing as the story progressed was quite interesting. There were many layers to the story that all intertwined. A great thing about Jennifer Holm is she takes from her own life to write some of her books which adds such a depth of sincerity and authenticity that can't be duplicated. The conversations between Ellie and Melvin (and other characters) were flawless.

I love books that make you think without the topic being crammed down your throat or thrown in your face in an obvious way. Holm was able to do this without it being a "lesson." We, as readers, are given little tidbits to think about without being told "this is the way you must think." She was able to make science and scientists cool without trying. I'm not a science person and she made me want to look up information about them. My version even had links to find out more information. I found this to be an excellent added bonus which would be fabulous for teachers to use in classrooms.

It's a great book for any age and children will connect to the story.

Finish Time: 3 very quick nights (while moving – probably 1-2 hours total.) And yes, I read a children’s book. No – I did not know until it was downloaded and I saw the publisher – Random House Books for Young Readers. Admittedly, I liked the cover, and didn't read the decrtiption. I thought about stopping after a few chapters, but I’m no quitter, and I promised good, bad, and ugly (maybe?), so here goes!

Targeted to 8-12 year olds, which I guess I once was, definitely am not now, and my kids aren’t quite old enough for this now, I have a hard time knowing if this is correct, so we’ll just have to take their word for it! Obviously nothing controversial or anything I wouldn’t want, even my little ones, to read. A good coming-of-age, awkward tween years, glad I don’t have to go back to that time of my life, book.

The main character is 11-year old Ellie. In that age of self-discovery, trying so hard to fit in, not liking change, time of life. Enter Melvin, who we shortly come to find out is her grandfather, victim to his own experiment, turned into an 11-year-old too! Still dressing like a grandpa and still lecturing his daughter, Ellie’s mom, Melvin was really a funny character that I quite enjoyed. He helped show Ellie the world in a different way, that of someone who has been there, and who frankly doesn't care what other 11 year old’s think of him! What’s important, and what’s not. A good lesson for all of us, young and old.

I’ll say it again, not my typical read, but another one I read while in the middle of moving. A light, funny read, choke full of good lessons (geared for an 8-12 year old!) but I think you may be surprised what you could get out of it too!

This is a fun book that is focused on inspiring girls to consider pursuing science -- though it is done in a very low-key and interesting way that won't necessarily make them realize they are being "positively influenced." My 9-year-old son read it with me and found it enjoyable -- though he thought a better title would have been "My Teenage Grandpa." That is because that is the fun "hook" of this book. Ellie is an 11-year-old girl who is having some difficulty adjusting to middle school life. Her best friend seems to have developed interests that don't include her and now her mother has brought home an annoying teenage boy to live with them. But something about this teenage boy is quite familiar -- and he doesn't necessarily ACT like a teenage boy. He acts, in fact, like her crotchety scientist grandfather.

Told in the first-person, the book is a fun, easy read that kept my reluctant reader son interested. When I asked him what the best parts were, he said "the parts about science." Mission accomplished! I think this would be a worthwhile middle grade reader for boys and girls alike, but I think girls might get a bit more out of it than boys.

A Note: Ellie's parents are divorced and both parents have creative careers in theater -- a pursuit holds little appeal to Ellie. The divorce is handled matter-of-factly and there is no real tension between Ellie's parents, who are quite friendly and amicable. This is in keeping with the light-hearted, slightly madcap aspect of the book (though there is an occasional focus on some deeper themes such as the "circle of life" and the importance of aging/grief).

This book was so good!! Easily one of the best books I've read this year. So many great YA books are coming out now and The Fourteenth Goldfish should be at the top of every list and on every 'tween' bookshelf.

Coming of age with a twist. Ellie's life is changing: a new school year begins, her best friend has moved on to new interests and her mother brings home a strange teenage boy who may be her grandfather! Has Melvin has discovered an eternal youth formula? Ellie learns more about her family and herself as the year progresses. Holm avoids the usual teen angst and stock situations as Ellie tries to help her grandfather get back into his lab and learns more about herself and her family along the way. Holm has such an ear for dialogue and captures perfectly the way families speak to and about each other. I loved this book and read it in one sitting-could not put it down. I was given a copy of the book-the review is my own.

I babysit this five year old boy who can read. One of his favorite books have a main character named Melvin, and for some reason, Phillip pronounces it as "Moovin". Thus, if you see me refer to Melvin as Moovin, well...just go with it.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children's, for this free book to review!

Things I liked:

1. The characters; namely Ellie, Ben, and Melvin. They were funny and enjoyable to read about.

2. Ellie's realization that science can go too far. Not enough people care about the consequences of science. Go Ellie!

Things that were meh:

1. Why did Moovin even need the T. Melvinus after he de-aged? If he thought he wouldn't be able to convince the other scientists at the lab that he had become a kid, then why did he think he could convince the Nobel prize judges (?) about what happened?

2. I expected this book to delve deeper into the ethics part. That's probably just me though, because other reviewers say it's TOO deep.

Would I read other books by Jennifer L. Holm? Maybe. I do love her sharp writing style.

We are a reading group of fourth and fifth graders. Our team name is Team Crazy.

This book is about a girl named Ellie, who is 13 years old. Her grandfather Melvin is a scientist. Melvin, shows up on her doorstep and Ellie has no clue who he is, because he has turned into a 13 year old. He invented a serum that makes people young again. Melvin hopes to win a Nobel prize, but he has to steal the serum out of his lab before he can win. Does he get the serum out? Does he win a Nobel prize?

Four people in our book group liked the book because the book was funny, and the character of the grumpy grandpa was funny. One person did not like this book, because it did not seem as good as what was on the back cover.

We recommend this book for 3rd graders to 7th graders who like science, people with a good imagination, and people who like funny books.

My kids have long enjoyed Holm’s Baby Mouse and Squish books and they were very eager to try The Fourteenth Goldfish. My kids also have a keen interest in science, and the plot of this story was ideal for them. In this story, Ellie is having all the usual problems that an eleven-year old girl has, but then her grandfather comes into her life as a teenaged boy. He has figured out how to reverse age and the science behind it is of interest to Ellie.

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a proper novel, not like the graphic novels of Holms that my kids have read in the past. They had no problem reading it though. It’s written well for anyone age eight and up who is comfortable with chapter books. Otherwise, it’s a good read-aloud and would even be of interest to kids that are younger. I think anyone who enjoys Baby Mouse and Squish, would enjoy this story too.

I found this book to be quite delightful. The characters are amusing and the story was truly funny. I feel like kids will love this book because it will keep them entertained and it is easy to read for the targeted age group. When I was in school my favorite subject was science and I did not read a lot at that age I just wanted to experiment. I feel like this book will bridge the gap for kids, who were like me, that struggled with reading but loved science.
I think parents and teachers will love this book for their kids because it teaches them about life, death, family, identity, exploring, and being right minded.
My only issue reading this book was that the chapters ended suddenly and then began in strange spot in the story. I felt like this might cause a disconnect in the story for young readers.

If your grandpa showed up as a teenager to live with you, how would your parents react? Your artistic, theater loving mother says that she has to retrieve her father from the police station and comes home with a teenager who talks like someone with Ph.D. and feels he must publish his findings about how to reverse the aging process. You quickly realized that this teen is Grandpa Melvin. Ellie has quite a time of adjusting to her grandpa going to school with her, and grandpa can't quite get back to behaving like a teen. This is an imaginative and interesting tale of family dynamics around a core of implausible science and new discoveries. I'm planning on passing it to my 8-year-old, but I think it would be young for my 14-year-old. It was an entertaining book.

It does have divorced parents and some family tension, so if those bother you for your kids, skip this one. If not, and if you want to spark some interest in science, this book could be a lighthearted introduction to an important subject.

Ellie's grandfather, a respected and brilliant scientist, disapproves of her mother. The mother is a drama teacher and divorced from Ellie's actor dad. But when an anti-aging experiment goes awry and the grandfather morphs into a thirteen year old, Ellie learns much about him, science and life in general.

This is a fun book with some genuinely funny moments. Ellie is likeable and most kids will relate to her. The message is both positive and cautionary. You can do anything and should follow the path that makes your heart sing but for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. There are consequences and costs that accompany every reward so it is important to look at the big picture. Change may be sad but it is a necessary part of life. The tone is light and the language is acceptable for the age group. I thought the reference to mom's getting "knocked up" and eloping could have been omitted. But all in all this is a quick and entertaining book that presents science in an appealing light.

Believe in the possible. This is what Ellie’s grandfather told her, but then again Ellie’s grandfather, Melvin, is a 13 year old. Well actually he is a very cranky and bossy old man and a scientist who is obsessed with finding the solution to mortality. When Grandpa Melvin had a lead on the solution he tested it out on himself which turned him back into a teen. The rest of the office thought Melvin went missing. So, they shut down his lab until further notice. Melvin is doing everything he can to find a way to get into his office. Because Melvin looks like a 13 year old boy the guards did not recognize him. He had already been escorted off the premises for trespassing.
Until he figures out how to become his old (no pun intended) self he has to stay with Ellie and her mom and goes back to middle school. Ellie and Melvin meet a new friend his named Raj. He is goth, humorous, and loves to argue with Melvin. Melvin soon tells Raj about his actual age and why he is there. They need to get the T. Melvinus serum (what makes the age reversal possible) out of Melvin’s office before the other scientists demolish his whole office.Raj, Melvin, and Ellie join forces to get the serum out of the office. Melvin later realizes (thanks to Ellie who is very persuasive, smart, and funny) that the serum isn’t really that important after all so he flushes it down the toilet.

This book is one of the best books that I have read in awhile. It is very funny it has an amazing plot. This book is actually so good that I read it twice. I would definitely recommend this book. In fact I have already recommended it to multiple people because this book is so good. It’s a nice, simple, easy to read book. It’s not confusing either.
The moral message of this story is the impossible is possible. The reason I have chosen this as the theme because it is a mockery of what it says on the front of the book. The front of the book says “believe in the possible” When the most impossible plot line in this story happens, Ellie's grandfather invents an anti-ageing potion and he becomes 13 again, then they break into Melvin’s office. Thus, proving this is a very wacky plot line proving my impossible plot line statement to be true. I love this this theme because it reminds me of the fairy tales when I was little. Where the impossible is achieved and there is a happy ending.
Erin Gregory, 12 years old

This book addresses some valuable but actually quite complex ideas for the age group, one of the biggest being 'just because you can doesn't mean you should'. It also touches on sensitive topics, like friends drifting apart, pets dying, divorced parents getting serious with someone new, and so on, but it's never preachy or heavy.

Ellie's not exactly overflowing with personality, but perhaps that might be best for younger readers. They can identify with her more if she's a bit of a blank slate.

This book is definitely the sort of kid book that's for kids. I liked the story, how could i not like a story about a girl who decides she wants to be a scientist, but i skimmed a fair bit too. It's paced for younger brains.

The Fourteenth goldfish is an amazing book that is funny, touching, and well, well.... AMAZING!!
I'm nine years old and I really love Jennifer L. Holm's Books. I have read tons of Babymouses and Squishes and Sunny Side Up too. I love them all, so because of the author I would have read this anyway, but actually this was reccomended to me by my friend Manawa. So I got this on my kindle and it is sooooooo good!!!!
We are now reading this together on our kindles and scream daily, "AHHH THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!!!!"
So I would reccomend this to anyone who wants a funny, poignant read. Now stop reading this review and download the book!!!!!!!!

When a young girl learns that her grandfather has made the most amazing scientific discovery since penicillin, it ignites in her a newfound respect for science overall. But complications arise from her grandfather’s work, and the girl finds herself facing brand new situations and making the most unlikely of friends. Jennifer L. Holm delights and charms her middle grade readers with this plot in The Fourteenth Goldfish.

Ellie has begun to learn the hard way that growing up means lots of changes. Going from fifth grade to sixth grade means starting over in finding one’s place within the school’s social paradigm. Having a best friend who recently made the volleyball team means spending lunches without said best friend. When the goldfish dies, Ellie finds out from her mother that this goldfish was not, in point of fact, the one Ellie has raised since preschool. It’s actually one of many that her mother replaced through the years in secret.

But the word “change” hits home in full force when Ellie’s grandfather shows up on their doorstep…as a teenager. Grandpa Melvin has discovered something that helps reverse aging and used himself as the first human test subject for the experiment. Now that he’s a teen, however, no one takes him seriously, and Melvin needs Ellie’s help to re-establish himself and his lab so he can continue with his work. In the meantime he’s trying to figure out how to live like a teenager again without getting caught—or at least without getting detention.

Soon enough it becomes apparent that re-establishing Grandpa Melvin’s lab will mean more than shoving some boxes in the garage to one side to make space for a table and a microscope. The more Grandpa Melvin talks about his work, though, the more intrigued Ellie becomes. She realizes that science is as much about change as anything else, and that if her grandfather can endure such a major life change than she can tolerate these smaller ones.

Author Jennifer L. Holm presents middle grade readers a refreshing story. She doesn’t allow room for any innuendo, letting her audience enjoy Ellie’s tale as it unfolds. As a result, parents will have no trouble giving their kids permission to pick up this one. The benefit doubles when readers will discover that this book teaches as much as it entertains, and Ellie’s increasing interest in science could possibly become infectious.

A solid plot and primary and secondary characters guarantee this book will score high for its intended readership, but adults will also want to check it out. I highly recommend The Fourteenth Goldfish for anyone who likes to read.

This book is about a girl named Ellie. Although her parents both work in acting she has always been fascinated by science. It was like any other day when she noticed that her mom was late. Soon after that, her mom came home with a 13 year old looking boy! they did not get along very well and it sounded like they had known each other for ages even though Ellie had never met nor seen this boy in her life! He had looked familiar now that she looked closer. The bickering sounded similar to someone she had known for a long time. Then without even thinking she said, "Grandpa"? This story takes you on an unexpected journey through time, adventure, and most importantly, friendship. My favorite character is Ellie because she is very adventurous, curious, and is not afraid to get into a little trouble. Over all this book was so entertaining and every chapter was like a new beginning!

Title: The Fourteenth Goldfish

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Year: 2014

Pages: 110

[Disclaimer: I was provided and ARC in exchange for my promotion and unbiased review of this book. I'm only required to be honest which is waht I am. I don't even get to keep the book. It's only an e-book for my Nook. And I don't even get to keep it. So there.]

If I’m going to be honest in my review of this book, then I must confess it took me about 50 pages to actually get into the book. The beginning all seemed like so many disconnected ideas that I almost quit reading. I also got frustrated very early on because I was reading yet another children’s story that consisted of, surprise, a broken, ‘dysfunctional,’ family. I am still amazed that so many children’s authors think the best vehicle for story telling or heroic children is the broken family. The early description of the Melvin’s family on page 27 was really not funny even though I suspect a certain considerable depth of sarcasm. Personally, I find nothing funny whatsoever, ever, about meth, arson, or death. It's a cheap laugh in my opinion.

I’m no prude, but I think a certain amount of discretion should rule when writing books for kids. That’s just my opinion.

I also didn’t care for the, generally speaking, poor male role models. Grandpa is cranky and overbearing. Dad is more or less absent—although he does appear every now and again to fix the plumbing which, expectedly, breaks again. Finally, the fake description of Melvin’s ‘father’ on page 28 presents us with yet another lousy male role model. I think children's books authors ought to take care to present us with a few more positive male role models.

I’m not privy to the author’s intentions, and from the bio at the end of the book it seems she had a fairly typical upbringing and family so I’m uncertain why there was a need for such negative portrayals. The only fairly positive models the reader gets are from dead scientists and some literary figures. This is too bad.

So much for my criticisms of the book. Once I managed to get through some of the early tension and scene setting, the book started to move a little better for me. I appreciated, with the above exceptions noted, the humor in the book. Grandpa was a bit cranky and critical, following a stereotypical presentation of an old person, but at times it was a funny. One part I found apropos was his ‘criticism’ of a twenty-two year teacher. His quip, “What does she know about anything?” was, in my opinion, an appropriate question and social commentary because I happen to agree. Teaching is far more than being able to dispense facts or information and grandpa rightfully asks the question.

But this is no ‘simple’ book to read. In order to understand a lot of the commentary, a lot of the plot, and a lot of the dialogue, one must be familiar with a lot of our culture and history. The reader needs to know about Shakespeare and Salinger, Newton and Galileo, Curie and Einstein, Thornton Wilder and L. Frank Baum; Jonas Salk, Louis Pasteur, and Robert Openheimer. This is no story for people unacquainted with a certain stream of literature and science. This is really thrilling to me because as an educator I sometimes wonder if our students are being made to read and understand the contributions such folks made to our history and to our culture. The book is thick with these sorts of references and bring the story to life for those who either already understand these references or make the effort to Google them and learn.

There are other references (historical, film, and literary) too that will make the book exciting for the reader, but I don’t want to spoil all the fun.

The story is fun and makes some important points as it begins to conclude. One of the most important lessons we are forced to think about is our responsibility to leave the world a better place by thinking carefully about the decisions we make. We think about this in relation to the work of Oppenheimer; we think about it in relation to Jonas Salk. At the end of the day we are confronted with a choice: just because we can do something, should we? It’s an important ethical question that we would do well to start thinking about at a younger age. I think the author has asked us an important question and asked us to think thoughtfully about how we will answer it. I’m not sure there are easy answers—even in a children’s story.

At the end of the book is a nice collection of recommended resources for continuing the conversation. I love when authors do this because, I think, it’s their way of saying: “I want you to think for yourself. I’ve started a conversation, now go do some work on your own.” It’s a simple, yet brilliant, way of continuing the dialogue. Some overachievers will certainly take her up on the challenge and these are the ones who will later write the books we read.

I mostly enjoyed the book and I don’t think my criticisms and caveats will detract from the enjoyment that readers will have with this story. Good effort.

4/5 Stars.

This is a wonderful coming of age story of a young girl trying to find a new normal in her life. She and her mother live a scattered lifestyle until her grandfather comes into her life in a unique way, upsetting the chaos in she and her mother's lives, and setting her on the path to a true life's lesson. It is a story of growing old and growing up all at once. I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review, and before I finished reading it I learned it was selected as a Sunshine State Young Readers award book for the 2015-2016 school year. I look forward to sharing and promoting this book with my young readers next year!

Ellie receives the shock of her life when she meets a boy her age and finds out he’s her grandfather. He’s a scientist who found the key to reversing the aging process. Despite his youthful appearance, he’s still grumpy and bossy. His former coworkers won’t recognize him, so there’s the problem of getting his research out of his lab.

Living with him and attending school with him brings all sorts of questions out in the open. Youth, the cycle of living, necessary changes, friendship…Ellie undergoes unforgettable circumstances.

I believe many young readers will connect to this novel. As an older reader, I enjoyed it immensely. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Things get strange when Ellie's elderly grandfather shows up at her house as a teenage boy. Grandpa is a scientist and he's discovered a way to reverse aging. Now he's living with Ellie and her mom, and things are very strange.

The Fourteenth Goldfish is getting so much positive buzz! There have been talks of it winning the Newbery, the Goodreads page is glowing, and it was even selected for the 2014 Global Read Aloud. So it feels like blasphemy to say, but I found The Fourteenth Goldfish kind of disappointing.

The Fourteenth Goldfish just didn't feel complete to me. It's a really straight-forward, single-plot story so that should make it easy to follow, but there were gaps in the narrative that made me lose track of how much time was passing and how various events were connected. A longer book, maybe from different perspectives, may have worked better.

Still, it was a fun read with some great moments. Grandpa Melvin may be one of my favorite characters in a long time.

People seem to really like the science aspect of this book, but it really disappointed me. Maybe it's because I have worked with researchers on how kids view scientists, but this book reinforced more stereotypes than it combated. However, I love love loved the talk about believing in possibilities and that scientists are passionate people who don't give up.

Overall, The Fourteenth Goldfish may provide a good starting point for classroom conversations about science, scientists, and fuzzy morality.
3.5 stars

Note: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Ellie Cruz is a pre-teen girl whose goldfish has died. Unbeknownst to her, her mother has been replacing her dead goldfish and this was the thirteenth one. Then this strange kids shows up one day and she is shocked to find out that it is her grandfather who has found the fountain of youth and is now a fourteen year old boy. Together, they try to get back into his science lab to get the fish that made him so young.

This young reader s novel is quirky and fun. It teaches Ellie and the reader that science can be fun. It also There is a little history and some lessons about life and death. I believe that the age group (10-12 year olds) will enjoy this story.

Hott Synopsis:
‘You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it for himself’ ~ Galileo Galilei
Science fiction is becoming reality in Ellie’s house! It may take her a few minutes to catch up, but she does eventually realize that the teen ordering her mother around is really her grandfather, Melvin.
The thing is, Ellie finds her grandfather tremendously interesting and fun… though she’d much prefer for him to be his own age again.

Hott Review:
What I liked: The Fourteenth Goldfish was a cute middle-grade book. It was interesting and fast-paced. The huge underlying lesson is one that should stay with them for a long time.
What I didn’t like: I think this is going to be a niche book. There are a lot of science terms and references that not all middle-graders will enjoy.

More…
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Source: Random House Books for Young Readers via Netgalley
Grade: B+
Ages: 10-15
Setting: San Francisco, CA

Book for young scientists. Eleven year old Ellie meets up with her grandfather when he's 13 years old! As a scientist, her grandfather found a way via jellyfish to become young again. His daughter, Ellie's mother signs him up for school, so now he has to go back to middle school with his granddaughter. Along the way he teaches Ellie about how scientist have changed the world, mentioning Einstein, Marie Curie, Stalk and other scientists with a brief description of what they accomplished. It's a hopeful story that her grandpa teaches her everything is possible.

This is a cute book for kids ages 9 to 14. Twelve year old Ellie is rather surprised when her mother brings her grandfather Melvin home - because he has created a youth potion and is now thirteen years old. As Ellie navigates middle school, her grandfather does too. Together they try to find a way back into his lab so he can get the ingredients for his youth potion. Melvin gets Ellie interested in science and the book is filled with facts about science and famous scientists. But, is it really a good thing to have a youth potion? I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

This was an awesomely inspiring middle grade reader with a scifi flair designed to get kids interested in and inspired by scientific discovery and research. I truly enjoyed it and would definitely read it to my kids or encourage them to read it when their reading level is appropriate.

Ellie feels out of place with her dramatic family. She does not like performing of any kind. She also feels out of place in middle school especially since her best friend has pretty much dumped her for soccer. Life is pretty humdrum and pointless until 5he night her habysitter tells her her mom will be late as the police have her grandfather but they can watch a movie and order pizza. Little does she know nothing will ever be boring again once her mom comes home...

This book is about growing up and learning to roll with the punches. The science was awesome and I could totally see it inspiring kids to learn more about it just like Ellie did in the book :) I can't wait to read more books by this amazing author and really hope she turns this book into a series!

***This book is suitable for gradeschool to middle grade readers on up

To read a book meant for children, sometimes one must willingly suspend their disbelief and the critical parent part of their personality to get in touch with their inner child. Of course there are fantastical elements in The Fourteenth Gold Fish, but that's what makes it so refreshing. Imagine going to middle school with your grandfather as he was as a child. Precious!
I very much enjoyed Holm's book and would recommend it to both children and adults. It's refreshing to read a good story with creative ideas.

Hott Synopsis:
‘You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it for himself’ ~ Galileo Galilei
Science fiction is becoming reality in Ellie’s house! It may take her a few minutes to catch up, but she does eventually realize that the teen ordering her mother around is really her grandfather, Melvin.
The thing is, Ellie finds her grandfather tremendously interesting and fun… though she’d much prefer for him to be his own age again.

Hott Review:
What I liked: The Fourteenth Goldfish was a cute middle-grade book. It was interesting and fast-paced. The huge underlying lesson is one that should stay with them for a long time.
What I didn’t like: I think this is going to be a niche book. There are a lot of science terms and references that not all middle-graders will enjoy.

More…
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Source: Random House Books for Young Readers via Netgalley
Grade: B+
Ages: 10-15
Setting: San Francisco, CA

Book for young scientists. Eleven year old Ellie meets up with her grandfather when he's 13 years old! As a scientist, her grandfather found a way via jellyfish to become young again. His daughter, Ellie's mother signs him up for school, so now he has to go back to middle school with his granddaughter. Along the way he teaches Ellie about how scientist have changed the world, mentioning Einstein, Marie Curie, Stalk and other scientists with a brief description of what they accomplished. It's a hopeful story that her grandpa teaches her everything is possible.

This is a cute book for kids ages 9 to 14. Twelve year old Ellie is rather surprised when her mother brings her grandfather Melvin home - because he has created a youth potion and is now thirteen years old. As Ellie navigates middle school, her grandfather does too. Together they try to find a way back into his lab so he can get the ingredients for his youth potion. Melvin gets Ellie interested in science and the book is filled with facts about science and famous scientists. But, is it really a good thing to have a youth potion? I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

This was an awesomely inspiring middle grade reader with a scifi flair designed to get kids interested in and inspired by scientific discovery and research. I truly enjoyed it and would definitely read it to my kids or encourage them to read it when their reading level is appropriate.

Ellie feels out of place with her dramatic family. She does not like performing of any kind. She also feels out of place in middle school especially since her best friend has pretty much dumped her for soccer. Life is pretty humdrum and pointless until 5he night her habysitter tells her her mom will be late as the police have her grandfather but they can watch a movie and order pizza. Little does she know nothing will ever be boring again once her mom comes home...

This book is about growing up and learning to roll with the punches. The science was awesome and I could totally see it inspiring kids to learn more about it just like Ellie did in the book :) I can't wait to read more books by this amazing author and really hope she turns this book into a series!

***This book is suitable for gradeschool to middle grade readers on up

To read a book meant for children, sometimes one must willingly suspend their disbelief and the critical parent part of their personality to get in touch with their inner child. Of course there are fantastical elements in The Fourteenth Gold Fish, but that's what makes it so refreshing. Imagine going to middle school with your grandfather as he was as a child. Precious!
I very much enjoyed Holm's book and would recommend it to both children and adults. It's refreshing to read a good story with creative ideas.

Not sure what all the hype is about this book....I was highly disappointed. I thought the scientific information was contrived and did not appreciate phrases like "knocked up" being included in it because I don't really want to explain that to my third grade students. Unfortunately, this book will not become part of my classroom collection.

This is super cute.

I loved Melvin and his little old man/teenage boy quirks. And the mom seems so amazing, I started wishing I could live there, too.

This is a feel good book that's perfect for kids who enjoyed Wendy Mass or Sarah Weeks. It's quick and adorable.

Have you ever thought of immortality? The novel "Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer Holm is a story of life and death and how living forever might not always be the answer. The novel was a quick read for me and the pace of the story steady. In a bombshell that is why you should read this book.

So I did think this book would be fairly engaging to the age range it was intended for which was 8-12 years. There are many references to scientists and historical scientific events and I liked that it touched on human responsibility within science such as the atomic bomb. There is a few references to the book The Catcher In the Rye that did not have anything to do with the story as far as I can tell, which makes me wonder what the author's motivation was. A child aged 8-12 would not understand that book, and to reference it as many times as she did, in addition to another J.D. Salinger book, makes me wonder what the motivation was there. I did note that it was also mentioned in The Peanuts Movie as well, but as a kind of a joke. The way it is mentioned so many times makes me think that the motivation would be for someone who reads it to go look it up and read that as well. I know I don't personally have a problem with older kids reading it, but would not want my child of that age doing so.

I just can't imagine. Seeing my grandfather as a teenager would be pretty darn cool but not when I was 11! It reminds me of the paradox in Back to the Future when Marty meets his mom and she's flirting with him. Anyway, this was a nice combination of family dynamics, science and a little education thrown in to a fun story. My 10 year-old has not had a lot of interest in reading it but she is not an avid reader. Perhaps next year we can revisit it or I should really start just reading it aloud to her.

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
I LOVE this book. It sat on my Kindle for about three weeks, but when It finally floated to the top of my to-be-read pile, I found it impossible to put it down. Pithy, punchy writing, characters that are believable, and a story that twists a bit without becoming completely unbelievable. What a treat. Funny and poignant (I shed a tear at least once) and so true to the Middle School experience without being preachy about how "these things happen." Don't miss this. I plan to get the audiobook for the MS knitting club to listen to during our meetings in October.

I appreciated Holm's success at creating a quirky but loving modern family with relatable, realistic characters...well, as realistic as a fantasy novel can be expected to get, at least. And at least in real life, a first-year middle school student doesn't have to worry about bumping into her grandfather in the lunch line!

Cute book. The chapters felt a little choppy to me, and it didn't quite end up where I thought it would to leave an even bigger lesson about why not to do science experiments on yourself. It seemed to be leading there with the example of famous science discoveries that were featured. Maybe it was too hyped up before I read it as being super fantastic. It was just cute. I'm sure kids will enjoy it and learn some new famous names in science along the way.

I found The Fourteenth Goldfish to be a slightly strange affair. I didn't dislike it, but I had a hard time fully connecting with what is really a relatively quick read.

Eleven-year-old Ellie finds herself having to put up with a house guest who is actually her scientist grandfather. What's stranger, he's a teenager thanks to a scientific discovery. Cut off from his laboratory, Ellie must help her grandfather figure out how to be young again and possibly get his research back.

The initial introduction of Ellie's grandfather was a bit abrupt and everything kind of steamrolled from there. I think, thematically, the book is interesting, but the way the ideas and characters are introduced does not leave a lot of room for fleshing anything out. It feels a bit like a science experiment. Try this here, introduce that there, and see what the results are. Sometimes it works well but other times are a bit of a miss. There's some good stuff about being old vs. being young and experiencing life, but somehow it gets lost in the middle only to resurface right at the end and feel almost heavy handed.

As an adult I had a bit of trouble going along with some of the more fantastical elements, but kids probably won't have the same hangups and will be more willing to just go with it. What does work is the relationships and the snappy dialogue. Holm never lets the book settle for long and that keeps things interesting. Given some of the ideas, I would say this is probably meant for slightly more advanced middle grade readers.

i think the whole idea was very interesting but I saw many things that I thought shouldn't be there like the boy Ellie likes wears a black leather jacket and earrings or when the grandpa who is now thirteen in the story drank red wine and threw up all night. I had the most trouble with the mom. I really thought it was mediocre that the mom uses purple hair dye and wears clothes from the school drama class she teaches. ( yet Ellie thinks her mom wears the coolest clothes) .The mom acts like a teenager and says whatever but she has raised a child. In one chapter the mom wears a purple mini skirt to a date. I agree with the grandpa that it is inapropriate and a bad example for here child. I thought there were too many distractions from the plot and that is why I rate it stars because some parts are great and the others aren't as good

I tried to get my son to read this book two other times by having the copy in the house. He would not pick it up. Wouldn't read it. I got an electronic version and the novelty of getting to read on the iPad got him started...and he loved it! He kept talking about it. Two days later he even told me that I needed to read it, which he has never done before. The publisher sure didn't pick a cover to attract an elementary school boy.

When a strange boy shows up at 11-year old Ellie's house, he looks a lot like Ellie's grandfather, a scientist who's obsessed with immortality. But could it really be Grandpa Melvin? You have to suspend your disbelief in this realistic fiction/fantasy mash-up from children's novelist Jennifer Holm, as Ellie and her friend from school try to help the suddenly teen-aged Melvin recover his invention from the lab, do his homework, and deal with his daughter now acting as his parent! Holm mixes in lots of information about real scientists, and it's nice to see a novel in which the main character is fascinated by science and is a female. But Ellie realizes that the great achievements of science, like those of Marie Curie and Robert Oppenheimer, can have their negative aspects as well, and the novel sensitively delves into these serious issues as well as whether immortality would be a good thing or not while maintaining a sense of humor in this middle-grade novel. Back matter includes recommended resources on science and famous scientists mentioned in the novel that are appropriate for middle-grade readers. Recommended for readers 8-12.

Wow! A great book about the cycle of life, the importance of family and friends, and possibilities. I love that the MC is a girl interested in science. And that she not only learns a few things from her grandfather, but teaches him some things in return. Witty and fun, recommended to all.

Net Galley Feedback

this book is amazing. i thought it was so fascinating and really enjoyed it . this is a must read. this book is about a girl who lives with her divorced mom. the mothers dad is a scientist who starts to live with them after making something causing him to become a teenager. he even has to go to middle school! i cant tell you more. it will just spoil this fantastic book. Enjoy!

This is a Must Read book, what insight of a child and then teaching a older adult. This book will keep you interested from beginning to end! I don't want to give away the message in this story but lessons can we learned. You will pass this book forward so others can enjoy!
I received this book from net galley where your review counts

This is a delightful story that may spark the scientist in any middle-grader who reads it. A wonderfully engaging story with quirky, memorable characters, particularly Ellie and her grandfather. Find out what happens when a scientist's dream come true turns into a nightmare. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

I purchased and started reading with my grandchildren, ages 8 and 6 on a visit over the holidays. Before we could finish it together, I had to leave. It was so wonderful, I had to borrow the book to finish it. Lessons about family, aging and the significance of the wisdom that comes with aging. It is funny and engaging. Can't wait to talk to my grandchildren about it.

This book was very good. I liked Raj the most and I hope that there is a sequel and/or a prequel. This book actually helped me with my study on the Manhattan Project. (Because the Atmic bomb and the Manhattan Project is referenced a lot.)

I decided to read this book because my 12 yo had many 'laugh out loud' moments while reading it and kept telling me that the Grandpa was hilarious. And it did NOT disappoint! A fabulous story in which a Grandpa discovers the fountain of youth, and finds himself living as a 13 yo "cousin' with of his Granddaughter. I highly recommend this book...to all of you science lovers out there, young and old!

I really loved the science in the book and I thought it was very different from many other boos I've read, which I love. I really loved Elle's creativity in her pancakes. I would want to eat the peanut butter chocolate one. I really loved this bookand it was one of my favorite books.

My 7-year-old is reading it for his summer reading and he loves it! He reads it on his own without any prodding from me! When asked why he likes it, he said he likes gold fish and finding out about living forever.

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a charming story of a middle school age girl, Ellie, and her scientist grandfather who discovered and tested the fountain of youth-on himself. With an underlying story of Ellie's growing interest in science this will be a great read aloud for fourth and fifth grade level students and a wonderful addition to a classroom library.

Another sure hit from the imagination of Jennifer Holme! The power of belief in ones self and the trust in family shine strong. Science is magic in this great story perfect for the elementary student.

The Fourteenth Goldfish is an amazing book. It is filled with science, love (while still staying away from a romance novel), and it just is amazing. I could personally read it nonstop, and I must have read it seven times by now, and the story never gets old. While being a relatively short book, I still recommend it for all ages. Also, all the facts in this are true.

The 204 people who rated this book five stars probably want to murder me, but let me state my case to all you readers who are cautiously scrolling through the reviews, uncertain to buy or not to buy.

*NO SPOILERS*
PROS:
·Nice characters
·Cool plot idea
·Attractive cover
·Intriguing opener
·Real personalities

NICE CHARACTERS
I liked these characters, especially Melvin, who had a very developed personality.

COOL PLOT IDEA
Who would have thought of a scientist grandfather who had discovered the fountain of youth and was now the same age as you?

ATTRACTIVE COVER
What really got me to start reading this book was the cover.

INTRIGUING OPENER
I liked the part about her hippie teacher and the goldfish.

REAL PERSONALITIES
I grew attached to everyone in this book, especially Raj, Ananda, and Melvin, and Ellie.

CONS:
·Short
·Vague backstories
·Predictable
·Average
·Overall just vague

SHORT
This book was short. I really can't stand a short book, and I just needed more.

VAGUE BACKSTORIES
I liked these characters, but I didn't know much about anyone except Melvin and Ellie. They may be main characters, but supporting characters are crucial as well in this story.

AVERAGE
I'll be honest, this book wasn't something extraordinary. I wouldn't share this book with anyone unless they asked.

OVERALL JUST VAGUE
This explains itself. I just needed more.

If I were you, I wouldn't buy. But if you are a person looking for a short read for their kids, by all means, buy away. It's not my money, after all. If you do decide to get it, I hope you like it even though it didn't work for me.

9 year old daughter loved it, as did I the 42 year old mother. Wonderful exposure to real scientific dilemmas (about the consequences of our discoveries) at and age appropriate level. Good for girls or boys.

The Fourteenth Goldfish is so good! It is about a girl named Ellie and her grandpa is a scientist. Her Grandpa aged backwards and now is 13! So Ellie has to struggle with grandpa Melvin as a teenager!

I rate this book 5 stars because it was hard to put down and a page turner!

i dont undrtand that his mom is a teen? oher wize was a pretty good book! i dont get the ages right and was confusing . not the best book but ok. there are better books like wonder great book and NOT confusing like this book. very disaponting book

i dont undrtand that his mom is a teen? oher wize was a pretty good book! i dont get the ages right and was confusing . not the best book but ok. there are better books like wonder great book and NOT confusing like this book. very disaponting book

I honestly don't understand all of the five star reviews. I love exploring new YA and middle grade books, and had been looking forward to this one. My previous school even considered using it for a global read project, but nixed it due to our let down with this novel.

The plot sounds engaging, and indeed if you stick with the simple premise about believing in the possible, the message is okay. However, the plot holes are huge (Raj is able to figure out who Melvin is, but Melvin doesn't believe the scientific community will believe he is who he is??? No one else in the lab is curious about that jelly-fish that is so unusual?).

In addition, I kept wondering if the novel was set in the mid-80's (until the narrator gets a cell phone for her birthday) because many of the narrator's thoughts seemed like they were those of someone raised then or even raised in the 1970's. In other words, the narrator consistently came across as a 50 year old woman reminiscing about being an 11 year old. So many references were to TV shows from decades ago. While yeah, perhaps catching old shows does happen, most 11 year olds today won't only stick with those shows, and no references to present day fashion, shows, movies, language etc. really diminished everything this novel might have had to offer.

It's a well written story that's easy to read. There's a grandpa that shows up as teenager, quite some funny parts, some gentle nudges towards science for the readers but, in the end, neither I nor my daughter seem to have gotten the point of the story.

I couldn't finish the book. Not that it wasn't easy to read. it took no time but with each chapter I would be tossing the book in frustration. It assumed children are unable to read full sentences and to keep on one thought pattern for a whole paragraph. I hate when people talk down to children and now I find I hate it even more in a book. Not funny. Not caring and really not well written.