52 pages • 1 hour read
The Goldfish Boy
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Modern Britain • 2010s
2017
Middle grade
8-12 years
750L
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.
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
11,323 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
11,323 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Melody Bird
Melody Bird
Melody is a 12-year-old girl who lives near Matthew and shares a sense of being an outsider due to her unique habits, such as visiting a cemetery, and forms a bond with Matthew as they investigate a local mystery.
Old Nina
Old Nina
Old Nina is an elderly woman who lives alone in a Rectory and is considered mysterious by her neighbors, especially after the disappearance of a local child, which she has no involvement in.
Jake Bishop
Jake Bishop
Jake is a 12-year-old boy who lives next to Matthew, with whom he shares a history as ex-best friends, and tries to get involved in solving a neighborhood mystery despite initially being rude to others.
320
Novel • Fiction
Modern Britain • 2010s
2017
Middle grade
8-12 years
750L
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