The Goldfish Boy
Lisa Thompson
Subjects
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
A story about finding friendship when you're lonely - and hope when all you feel is fear. Twelve-year-old Matthew is trapped in his bedroom by crippling OCD, spending most of his time staring out of his window as the inhabitants of Chestnut Close go about their business. Until the day he is the last person to see his next door neighbour's toddler, Teddy, before he goes missing. Matthew must turn detective and unravel the mystery of Teddy's disappearance - with the help of a brilliant cast of supporting characters. Page-turning, heartbreaking, but ultimately life-affirming, this story is perfect for fans of Can You See Me, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and Wonder. ""A genuinely clever mystery"" - Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike series. ""A great cast of characters and an intriguing mystery - I loved it!"" Ross Welford, author of Time Travelling with a Hamster. A sensitive, empathetic portrayal of living with OCD. This is a book that will make you laugh and cry. The Goldfish Boy was shortlisted for many awards and became one of the biggest children's books of 2017.
Reviews
Loved this book - really cared about the characters and wanted the best outcome for Mathew. Includes sensitive topics such as dealing with OCD and experiencing death of a loved one, which it handles sensitvely.
CalOS
This is a fiction book, with Matty being my favourite character. He is a confused, misunderstood young boy! I would definitely recommend!
milliemaejones
Fantastic book! I loved reading this - it really put OCD into a child perspective and I hope children can read it to understand how it can affect others so much. Loved the writing style- it’s a read which keeps you guessing at every stage and the characters really come to life! I’d really recommend!
VCook1978
This was a good "page turner" with an interesting mystery story as well as the important story of a boy getting help for a mental illness. As the story unfolds, the boy's struggles are unpicked as he starts his recovery.
WRW
I thought this was great as a young readers mystery type story. I also thought it was great at introducing children to OCD and what that actually is.
emma.dunkin
I’ve looked at Lisa Thompson books for a long time and never picked one up to read it. Then my daughter read this book and suggested that I read it for the Library. I really liked it and we now have a few Lisa Thompson books in the Library. My daughter is a fan and has read most of her books now. 📚
MairiG
Loved the friendship that develops.
78nellarj
Brilliant main character with a twist leading the way in solving the mystery of the missing child.
Hilll01
I felt that this book was aimed more at adults who are interested In children’s literature rather than children. I read it to my son (Y6) and he found it hard going initially. It didn’t really grab his interest until Teddy disappeared. As a TA (and a Mum) I felt uncomfortable reading about a child who had OCD and constantly washing his hands on the back of coming out of a pandemic where had hygiene has been such an issue, and when anxieties about germs are obviously heightened - but obviously it’s important issue. Also vital understanding to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and appreciate their mindset. How little comments / remarks could easily spiral into something much more significant if not noticed or talked about! The story is intriguing and eye opening once you get going and it’s good to read about the characters in the book. My favourite is ‘Old Nina’ who is a fascinating character.
BookShark
Thoroughly enjoyed this and am looking forward to sharing it with my class. Lots of aspects of PSHE and ideas to share SEND issues.
turnandfacethestrange