Bluefish

This book focuses more on character growth rather than a grand plot. By the end of the book, you're attached to the characters you watched grow and overcome. This results in an ending that's both satisfying and leaves you wanting more.

Finding one's way in life is hard, especially during the tween years, especially when your best friend is gone and the future looks bleak. In the case of Travis, his dog disappeared and his new school is closing in on him. In the case of Velveeta, her father-figure of a friend just died and her mother is an alcoholic. Travis and Velveeta find each other at the beginning of a new school year, and gravitate towards one another, never getting too close (that feels dangerous) but never traveling far without the other (that feels empty). The story is rich, and full of smiles--although I shed more than a few tears. A great read.

My daughter loved this book and so did I.A friend had recommended it and because of the age of the main characters I would have thought it was better for an older child, but my 9 year old, who is an advanced reader, read and enjoyed it. While the content is heavy, alcoholism and bereavement, the children and adults are generally loving and compassionate and the world is painted with hope and resiliency. I think the book could be enjoyed by a mature 9 year old, teens, as well as an adult with teenagers in their lives.

I have a reluctant 12 year old reader that I have tried to find a book that will keep their interest and keep them reading. It has been a constant struggle and at times a battle. This book has kept their interest and is keeping them wanting to read more. My reader even says they can relate to the main character "they are just like me". Hope to find more like it.

Schmatz is an excellent writer for young adults who handles both sensitive and ordinary issues with insight. She's also a lively, gifted speaker who makes an immediate connection with her middle-school audiences. She visited our west coast school during her book tour, and absolutely mesmorized the 6th grade classes with interactive creative writing discussions. Schmatz is talented, humble, and funny. Her books are excellent and serve both to inspire and educate. I can see why this book won a prestigious Children's book award!-- Another Bluefish Fan

5. I honestly never read Pat Schmatz before. This book Bluefish makes me want to read more of all of Pat Schmatz books. I hope the author keeps continuing journaling and Writing so I can read more and more!

I think my kids were hoping for a better ending. Sorry, but true. They enjoyed it up until the end.

If you are a teacher who understands kids who struggle in school, this book will tug at your heart strings. The story of a boy who has a difficult life being raised by an alcholic grandfather, a beloved dog who is left behind when they are forced to move, and secrets that need to come out so this family can survive.. Written for young teens, adults will like this book too.

Travis is the new boy at school. He's determined to keep his head down as he has a secret but two kids won't let him do that - Bradley and Velveeta. Velveeta has clocked on and wants to help Travis - but will he let her? Travis has a sad home life which makes you just want to keep reading and find out if things will get better for him. Velveeta herself has a difficult home life but she is such a likeable character.I loved Bluefish! I finished it with tears in my eyes. Pat Schmatz's writing is so beautiful and she made even the everyday stuff sound so interesting. The description and the dialogue pull you into the story. I definitely will be reading this again.

Voilà un roman pour jeunes adultes qui est très bien écrit, émouvant et vrai.Le personnage principal n'a pas une vie facile mais va apprendre à se sentir mieux en apprenant enfin à lire.L'auteur dépeint des personnages non stéréotypés à qui il n'arrive rien d'extraordinaire mais qui doivent apprendre à vivre avec les cartes qu'on leur a données.C'est joliment raconté et on a beaucoup d'empathie pour les personnages tout au long du roman.A recommander à un public de "jeunes adultes" mais aussi aux moins jeunes!