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Pat Schmatz

Bluefish

Pat SchmatzFiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Pat Schmatz

Bluefish

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wisconsin • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

HL600L

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Super Short Summary

In Pat Schmatz's Bluefish, eighth-grader Travis moves to a new school after losing his parents and dog, finding solace in a friendship with Velveeta, who is also dealing with loss. With support from Velveeta and a dedicated teacher, he faces the challenges of learning to read and coping with grief. Themes of friendship, literacy, storytelling, and family trauma are explored. This book mentions death, physical violence, and substance abuse.

Melancholic

Inspirational

Contemplative

Emotional

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,059 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz, an engaging young adult novel, has been praised for its authentic depiction of friendship and well-developed characters. However, some critics noted a slow-paced plot. Overall, the emotional depth and relatable themes make it a worthwhile read for those interested in heartfelt, character-driven stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bluefish?

A reader who would enjoy Bluefish by Pat Schmatz is likely a young adult or middle-grade reader who appreciates heartfelt, character-driven stories. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt, which explore themes of resilience and friendship, will find this novel especially compelling.

4.2

4,059 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wisconsin • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-16 years

Lexile Level

HL600L

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