52 pages 1 hour read

Lisa Thompson

The Goldfish Boy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson follows 12-year-old Matthew Corbin, who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and rarely leaves his house. He spends his time observing neighbors and becomes the last person to see his neighbor's grandson, Teddy, before he is kidnapped. Determined to solve the mystery, Matthew, with help from friends Jake and Melody, investigates everyone in his cul-de-sac.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson has been praised for its compelling portrayal of a young boy with OCD, offering readers strong character development and a heartfelt narrative. Critics appreciate its sensitive handling of mental health issues and engaging mystery plot. However, some found the pacing slow and certain secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, a thoughtful and engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Goldfish Boy?

Readers who enjoy The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson are typically middle-grade students who appreciate mystery and heartfelt storytelling. They may also enjoy books like Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, which explore themes of friendship, courage, and personal growth with a touch of humor and sensitivity.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

750L

Book Details

Genre

Children's Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Themes

Identity: Mental Health

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Relationships: Family

Topics

Mental Illness