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ameliahelene's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gmamartha's review against another edition
4.0
Yes. After "nagging" to get this book, it did live up to my expectations.
Good feelings about it. Now to see what "my kids" think about it...
Good feelings about it. Now to see what "my kids" think about it...
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
I'm amused that I went from reading Breadcrumbs with all of its intertextual nods, to this book, in which two other books play a huge role, and will next be reading The Book Thief, one of the books that is important in Bluefish. This was a good book, but not stand out for me. I really cared about the characters, and the action was fast enough to pull me through the short read very quickly. Their problems were heartbreaking, but refreshingly normal. At the end of the book, their lives are better, but realistically so. This is one that I can see including in lists of suggested books, but not one that I will talk anyone into reading on its own.
lanica's review against another edition
5.0
PERSONAL REVIEW: I LOVED this book!
LIBRARIAN REVIEW: It's not for everyone. Adults might be bored, unless they are trying to get into the mind of a school aged kid. It's aimed at a high school or middle school audience...or at teachers. It's a feel-good novel about hard luck and hard lives in the school years, which is pretty common these days. But, this book really captures the feel of being an outsider without screaming about the main characters being outsiders.
The great thing about this book is that we watch each of the characters live through their own problems without realizing that everyone else has problems, too. It's so 'real'. Kids don't often see what's going on in the lives of anyone else but themselves, and that is the point to this book. Look around...everyone has problems. You're not alone, even when you are completely alone.
There is no sex, no drugs, no rock & roll. Just three kids living life as it comes at them. It's safe for all ages, and I would recommend it for any school library, book club, or reading list.
Also, I listened to this book on audio and the narration was exceptional.
LIBRARIAN REVIEW: It's not for everyone. Adults might be bored, unless they are trying to get into the mind of a school aged kid. It's aimed at a high school or middle school audience...or at teachers. It's a feel-good novel about hard luck and hard lives in the school years, which is pretty common these days. But, this book really captures the feel of being an outsider without screaming about the main characters being outsiders.
The great thing about this book is that we watch each of the characters live through their own problems without realizing that everyone else has problems, too. It's so 'real'. Kids don't often see what's going on in the lives of anyone else but themselves, and that is the point to this book. Look around...everyone has problems. You're not alone, even when you are completely alone.
There is no sex, no drugs, no rock & roll. Just three kids living life as it comes at them. It's safe for all ages, and I would recommend it for any school library, book club, or reading list.
Also, I listened to this book on audio and the narration was exceptional.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
My daughter got bound galleys as part of the Fresh Ink reviewing program, and loved the book, insisted that I read it. And for once, we agreed upon a book. Lovely prose, well-constructed characters, lots of back-story drama but dealing with the aftermath of tragedy and loss is the true focus here. Travis reminded me a lot of myself as a middle schooler. Would definitely put it on a short list for Newbery contenders.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue fish...I loved this short novel about two young people 'standing up to life' in spite of their grief. At one point an adult advises Velveeta (the girl's nickname), "grief is a rough ride but the only way through it is through it." Wise words. This is a story about dyslexia, friendship, grief and redemption.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
4.0
My first thought was: 'Oh no, not another book about a parentless child starting a different school who is befriended by a quirky kid and who has an educational challenge that is resolved by an extraordinary teacher'. And Bluefish is indeed all that, but the beautifully created characters lift it above the general run of the mill books with the same theme. I felt it was quite similar to Okay for Now in many respects, but lacked the 'voice' that gave OFN depth and richness.
hollydaze71's review against another edition
5.0
What a great book. I love these characters. I love how they call me back to the job I love. And I SO appreciate Schmatz calls up The Book Thief! Now I have to go read that again!
benyoda95's review against another edition
4.0
This was a sad and sweet book that is great for late elementary/middle schoolers. The character development was very enjoyable
kristenremenar's review against another edition
5.0
Great book for 4 - 8 graders, especially boys who love the outdoors more than they do reading, and a really important read for teachers. Travis is one of those kids for whom reading is a chore in deciphering, and the way his teacher lures him into a world of words that mean something for him is thought-provoking.