Anyone who knows me will tell you that The Fourteenth Goldfish is one of my favorite books. EVER. I actually screamed when I heard that the sequel, THE THIRD MUSHROOM , was releasing this summer. The second the arc became available, I started reading.
Ellie, my favorite middle school scientist, is back. Why do I like Ellie so much? She funny, down-to-earth, open-minded, curious, and not a know-it-all. Those are actually the traits of the best scientists, and if Ellie were a real live person I would predict her future to be very bright. Her grandpa, Melvin, is back too. He’s still a teenager, and still grumpy. But Ellie’s relationship with her grandfather is beautiful (and one I greatly envy).
This time around, Ellie and Melvin, are working together on a project for the science fair. But, as with many scientific endeavors, they aren’t full ready to handle the results of their experiment. “Believe in the unexpected” is the perfect tagline for this book as Ellie learns that sometimes scientific failures are actually a success. It just depends on your perspective.
THE THIRD MUSHROOM is filled with scientific anecdotes like THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH and is a great introduction to science fiction. It’s hilarious, concise, and perfect for reluctant readers. You do not need to like science to enjoy this book, if fact you may discover you’re more interested in science after reading THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH or THE THIRD MUSHROOM. Both books can be read as a standalone, but reading them in order is best.
But THE THIRD MUSHROOM isn’t really a book about science. It’s filled with middle school angst, a renewed friendship, and the jitters of first crushes. It’s really a book about life, relationships, and staying positive even when things don’t go as planned.
THE THIRD MUSHROOM releases on 9/4! Look for it at your favorite bookstore or request it from the library! For ages 8+
Warning: A pet dies in this book and there is some mention of grief over the death of Ellie’s grandmother (many years ago), which may be difficult for sensitive readers.
Jennifer L. Holm is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling children’s author and the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE. Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on two graphic novel series — the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series and the bestselling Squish series. She lives in California with her husband and two children. Visit her website or follow her on Twitter.
Posted by Michelle Leonard.
