GOLDFISH by Nat Luurtsema ~ Culture 1

GOLDFISH by Nat Luurtsema

Author: Nat Luurtsema

Title:  Goldfish

Publisher:  Feiwel and Friends

Publication Date: 2016

ISBN:  9781250089182

Plot Summary

Lou Brown, a 15-year-old Team Great Britain Olympic swimming hopeful, fails to qualify to attend a prestigious training camp. She struggles to find friends and a new “Thing” to do while climbing out of the depression from failing. She finds Roman, Gabe and Pete, who hire her to coach them for an acrobatic/synchronized swimming event for a televised talent show. Along the way, she finds a purpose, friends, and self-confidence.

Critical Analysis

This humorous realistic fiction book is filled with age-appropriate laughs that will entertain its young adult audience. Through the story, readers will relate to Lou’s attempts to make friends in school, the desire to fit in, and creating witty comebacks – hours later.

While set in Great Britain, Goldfish doesn’t scream “I’M BRITISH!” There are a few references to drinking tea, a TV show called Britain’s Hidden Talent, a Mini Cooper, and queenly waves. Instead, I found the book screamed “I’M YOUNG ADULT FICTION!” with the text messages, poo emojis, tampon jokes, and teenage rebelling (lying to adults, skipping classes, sneaking out at night, etc. – all the stuff young adults do or dream of doing). The storyline is very appealing today; however, I suspect it won’t pass the test of time as technology and how we use it to communicate evolves.

Despite its Grade 6-8 classification, this very square, 43-year-old teacher librarian found the writing to be hysterical. I even laughed so hard my husband came in from another room to find out what was so funny. “Boys touching the boobs of a statue,” I replied. I guess you’ll have to read Goldfish to find it funny too!

Reviews

• Booklist (2016): “Lou is wryly funny and appealing, if a bit immature (why all the poo references?), and constantly uses texting acronyms and British slang. She has a supportive sis and divorced parents who still live together, and the serious side of this good-natured story addresses the physical and mental stressors serious athletes face. Readers will root for Lou as she realizes that failure isn’t the end of the world.”
• Children’s Literature (n/d): “Nat Luurtsema created a relatable situation for many young adult readers. The unique setting and situation make the story fun, especially the synchronized swimming par; but the plot of teenage angst and low self-confidence is at the heart of Goldfish. Lou eventually accepts that she has to reinvent herself and becomes determined to understand her identity. Readers will like hearing her witty internal thoughts and be on edge with her as she about to cry. This is a relevant story for many and the plot moves quickly. There is a small love story subplot; but again, it is relatable for this age group.”

Awards

• 2017 USBBY Outstanding International Books Grades 6-8

Connections

• Visit the author’s website at: http://www.natluurtsema.com/
• Teachers could show YouTube videos of synchronized swimming routines.
• Could be read as part of a unit on Olympic sports; a study on British sports; or a genre study on humorous realistic fiction.
• Students could create bookreports/booktalks/book trailers for the 2017 USBBY Outstanding International Books, Grade 6-8.

Bibliography

Cover, Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Personal photograph by Amy Wilson. September 9, 2017.

Luurtsema, Nat. Goldfish. New York, NY: Feiwel and Friends, 2016. ISBN 9781250089182