This was a buddy read with my youngest kiddo, currently in the 3rd Grade, for reference. It follows an 11-year-old Ellie who has theater parents who are divorced, but she lives primarily with her mom, and her mom and dad seem to have a good relationship. One day, Ellie's mom shows up with a 14-year-old boy who happens to be her seventy-something-year-old grandfather. Her grandfather is enrolled in Ellie's middle school, and they work toward getting her grandfather's discovery out of his lab, so he can do more research and publish a paper. After all, he discovered the way to reverse aging. During their escapades Ellie learns more about her grandfather, his research, and science. He sparks her interest in science which baffles her artistic mother.

As I said, this was a book I read with my child; we read every night until he decides he is too old for it. In the beginning he was wary but grew to love the characters. As a third grader, he is in the demographic for this book, but it is still just a smidge too old for him. Luckily, I was there to answer questions about what words meant or the meanings of phrases. He quite enjoyed the chapter headers and the goldfish going up and down in numbers. I enjoyed the relationship building that Ellie had with her grandfather, and how he really helped her see who she could be and gave her a different perspective and just like her mother, she could follow the path that called to her. I also liked the theme of change, The middle-grade readers are full of change and hard life lessons; they may not seem like much for an adult, but for the kids, it is everything. Ellie learns about changes in friendships, life, and perspectives. Though some of those revelations are really hard for her, she learns to accept them. Overall, my kiddo gives this a 5 out of 5 rating. I think that it gets a bit repetitive though especially around our scientists towards the end, but overall, this was a fun read.

he Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm is a delightful, heartwarming story that blends science with a touch of magic. It follows Ellie, a young girl whose life gets turned upside down when her grandfather discovers the secret to reversing aging—and becomes a teenager again. What I loved most about this book is how it mixes humor with thoughtful reflections on change, family, and the curiosity that drives scientific discovery. Holm does a fantastic job of making science accessible and fun, while also exploring deeper themes about growing up and accepting the inevitable changes that life throws at us. It’s a charming read, perfect for anyone who appreciates a quirky, heartfelt story with a unique twist.

Sometimes you just need a book in your life that makes you feel good, and this was absolutely that book. It was a middle grade read with so much heart. The main storyline is that 11-year-old Ellie's grandpa is a scientist, and he figures out to turn himself into a fifth grader. So, Ellie now has her grandpa as a peer to navigate life. With him at her side, she learns about science and lots of life lessons. It was again such a delight all-around. I also really loved the meaning of the title once revealed!

I thouroughly enjoyed this book and our patrons do as well. It is the perfect fit for those tweens that are science nerds. It's also perfect kids who might not feel totally accepted by the norm or simply haven't found their niche yet.

Lovely middle grade book that takes a look at the cycle of life without being too heavy and at the same time giving it serious consideration.

I really liked this book. We need funny books in our library about families. I recommend this book often.

My thanks to the author and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book. I have always been fond of children's lit. My Mom read me to sleep every night till I was in junior high. We covered a lot of material. This story ranks right up there with the best. What a brilliant and clever means to spark an interest in science and the stories of some of the great scientists! Bravo!

Loved that this title had a girl as the main character in a science fiction novel that wasn't weird or out-casted socially. Ellie seems to be like any other preteen who misses her friends and is trying to figure out middle school when she discovers a little mystery in front of her. Would recommend to middle-grade readers who love science or realistic fiction.

Ellie’s life takes an unexpected twist when a thirteen-year-old boy enters her life -- and it’s her 76-year-old grandfather. From the spiciness of moo goo gai pan to the textbook’s omissions of his life’s work, “Melvin” (the alias given to him by Ellie’s mom) is quite opinionated. Although he seems to have cracked the secret of the Fountain of Youth -- and, hey, the proof is standing in front of them -- Melvin was kicked out of his laboratory for trespassing, and now must pal around with Ellie at middle school. While Melvin rallies against those who underestimate his genius, Ellie is quietly distracted by the more typical changes that middle school brings, including a rotational peer group that no longer includes her best friend, Brianna.
Melvin’s research is back at the lab, and he and Ellie must devise a way to break in undetected and sneak back out again. There are challenges and mistakes at every turn -- but isn’t overcoming setbacks the usual trajectory of a scientist?
Cute and fairly fast-paced, with a message that scientists keep on persevering, even in the face of adversary, toward the possible.

This book definitely improved as it moved along. At first it seemed like a nice middle school story about a 12-year-old girl who discovers her estranged grandfather has come to live with them. Now you can imagine what that is like for a girl who has enough challenges in middle school. Add to that her grandfather's age. He's the same age as she is. He's a scientist who has figured out how to reverse his age. Grandpa Melvin is grouchy, but as his relationship with his granddaughter grows, they find they share the same passion for science. and Ellie is introduced to great scientists as well as learning to take responsibility for what you have created.

My kids and I all read this book and just loved the story. I resonated with the mom who kept replacing her kids' goldfish each time it died.

Jennifer Holm captures slices of life in a lyrical way, with characters both real and relatable. Definitely adding to our middle school library.

One of my favorite middle grade books! It's been awhile since I've read this book, but I am constantly recommending it to my upper elementary students looking for books with an "interesting twist." The concept behind the story of a girl befriending her grandpa, who has become a "teen" again, is unique among children's fiction.

I'm sorry it has taken so long to review this title. I absolutely loved it and appreciate being able to have the opportunity to read it. Thank you.

Students enjoy the humor in this book. It was well received as a March Book Madness.

Well-done and creative! I thought it was funny, relatable for kids and easy to understand. Great plot that keeps you engaged. I have recommended it to several students and will continue to do so!

Entertaining middle grade read that is a hit with students!

LOVE THIS BOOK - HAS A LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
IF YOU LOVED CHASING VERMEER BY BLUE BALLIET THAN YOU SHOULD READ THE 14TH GOLDFISH. HOLM DOES FOR SCIENCE WHAT BALLIET DID FOR ART.

This is a great read-aloud for the classroom. I'm excited to read this book to my new students when school starts up in the fall.