The Fourteenth Goldfish — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Galileo. Newton. Salk. Oppenheimer. Science can change the world . . . but can it go too far?
Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade. She misses her old best friend. She even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy. He’s cranky. And weirdly enough . . . he looks a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been slightly obsessed with immortality. Could this gawky teenager really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?
With a lighthearted touch and plenty of humor, Jennifer Holm celebrates the wonder of science and explores fascinating questions about life and death, family and friendship, immortality . . . and possibility. Look for EXCLUSIVE NEW MATERIAL in the paperback—including Ellie’s gallery of scientists and other STEM-appropriate features.
And don’t miss the much-anticipated sequel, The Third Mushroom!
“Warm, witty, and wise.” —The New York Times
* “Written in a clean, crisp style, with lively dialogue and wit, this highly accessible novel will find a ready audience.” —Booklist, Starred
* “Top-notch middle-grade fiction.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred
* “Ellie’s memorable journey into the world of science will inspire readers to explore the world around them and celebrate the possible.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred
“Awesomely strange and startlingly true-to-life. It makes you wonder what’s possible.” —Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal–winning author of When You Reach Me
25 STATE AWARD LISTS including the Sunshine State!
Frequently asked questions
Is The Fourteenth Goldfish appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book does not contain any physical violence. It discusses the themes of aging and loss, but these are presented in a thoughtful manner rather than through violent actions. The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. It addresses themes of aging and change in a warm and thoughtful manner, suitable for its intended audience.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have violence?
The book does not contain any physical violence. It discusses the themes of aging and loss, but these are presented in a thoughtful manner rather than through violent actions.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have scary content?
The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. It addresses themes of aging and change in a warm and thoughtful manner, suitable for its intended audience.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The narrative focuses on science, morality, and the circle of life without reference to specific religious practices or beliefs.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racial themes are present in the narrative. The book focuses on personal and familial relationships rather than racial issues.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have profanity?
No profanity is present in the book. There are brief crude references to bodily functions, but these do not constitute profanity.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative focuses on personal growth and relationships rather than environmental issues.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have sexual identity?
There are mild references to sexuality, including mentions of 'sexy-looking' costumes at a Halloween party and the phrase 'knocked up' in an argument. These references are not central to the plot and are presented in a lighthearted context.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It features a young female protagonist but does not promote or challenge traditional gender expectations.
Does The Fourteenth Goldfish have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the book's narrative. The search results do not provide any evidence of LGBTQ+ content in 'The Fourteenth Goldfish'.
