The Fourteenth Goldfish

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2016

91%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

Your cranky grandpa discovers immortality and shows up as a teenager—now deal with that at age 11.

The Fourteenth Goldfish

book

2016

91%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

Your cranky grandpa discovers immortality and shows up as a teenager—now deal with that at age 11.

4.5

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly the kind of middle-grade fiction that works: a bonkers premise (immortal grandpa becomes teenager) grounded in real emotion (dealing with change, missing people you love, figuring out who you are).

Jennifer L. Holm is a pro—three Newbery Honors for a reason—and she nails the balance between funny and meaningful. The book celebrates science and curiosity without feeling like homework, and the intergenerational relationship is genuinely sweet without being saccharine.

It's safe, smart, and accessible. The only kids who might bounce off are those who need constant action or adventure—this is more character-driven and contemplative. But for kids who like to think about big questions, or who are going through changes themselves, or who just want a funny, warm story about a weird family situation? This absolutely delivers.

Age Fit

Solidly calibrated for ages 8-12, with the sweet spot around 9-11. The Lexile 550L makes it accessible for developing readers, while the philosophical questions and humor keep older middle-graders engaged. Probably loses appeal by age 13 unless a kid is a devoted Jennifer L. Holm fan.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A warmhearted story about family relationships, particularly the bond between an 11-year-old girl and her grandfather. Models intergenerational connection, navigating change, and dealing with loss (her goldfish, her best friend moving away). The emotional tone is light and humorous rather than heavy-handed. Some minor tension around sneaking wine, but handled appropriately for the age group.

Imaginative

Brilliant high-concept premise: what if your elderly grandfather discovered the secret to immortality and showed up as a cranky teenager? Invites kids to think about scientific possibility, ethics of immortality, and 'what if' scenarios. Celebrates scientists (Galileo, Newton, Salk, Oppenheimer) and STEM thinking. The paperback includes 'Ellie's gallery of scientists' and other STEM features. Balances whimsy with real scientific curiosity.

Safe

Extremely safe content for middle-grade readers. Common Sense Media notes minimal concerns: adults drink wine at dinner, and the teenage-bodied grandpa sneaks wine once. Themes of death and aging are handled gently through the lens of a beloved goldfish and philosophical questions about immortality. No violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. Age recommendation 8+ is appropriate and well-calibrated.

Enriching

Genuinely thought-provoking exploration of big questions: What does it mean to live forever? How do we deal with change and loss? The ethics of scientific advancement. Introduces real scientists and STEM concepts in an accessible way. Builds empathy through understanding different perspectives (a kid missing her old life, an elderly scientist getting a second chance). Winner of 25 state award lists. Reviews consistently praise its ability to inspire scientific curiosity while delivering emotional depth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Hilarious and clever premise that actually works: elderly scientist grandfather becomes a bossy teenage boy
Celebrates science and curiosity without being preachy—introduces real scientists and makes STEM thinking genuinely cool
Tackles big questions (immortality, ethics of science, dealing with change and loss) with a light touch and plenty of humor
Warm intergenerational relationship that feels real—the grandfather-granddaughter bond is the emotional core
Three-time Newbery Honor winner Jennifer L. Holm knows how to write for this age group—it's funny, accessible, and smart

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What to Watch For

Brief mention of adults drinking wine at dinner and teenage-bodied grandpa sneaking wine once—handled matter-of-factly
Themes of death and loss (beloved goldfish, aging, mortality) are present but handled gently and philosophically
Some kids might find the slower, character-driven pacing less engaging than action-heavy books

Conversation Starters

"If you could live forever, would you want to? What would be good about it? What would be hard?"
"Grandpa Melvin is obsessed with his scientific work. What's something you're so interested in that you could work on it your whole life?"
"Ellie really doesn't like change—she misses fifth grade, her old friend, even her goldfish. What changes have been hard for you?"
"The book asks if science can 'go too far.' What do you think that means? Can you think of examples?"
"If you could meet any scientist from history, who would it be and what would you ask them?"

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The Fourteenth Goldfish – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise