The Third Mushroom

July 15, 2018
Some experiments don't work out as expected.In a satisfying sequel to The Fourteenth Goldfish (2014), seventh-grader Ellie chronicles a tentative attempt at romance, a science fair experiment with her grandfather (still in the body of a 14-year-old boy), and a new appreciation for mushrooms, a once-loathed food. She and Raj, current best friend and lunch partner, have an unsuccessful movie date. A new relationship status is not in the cards, but the unexpected consequences include the rekindling of an old friendship with Brianna--someone with shared memories--and a renewed understanding of Raj's important role as best friend. Short, readable chapters are filled with lively dialogue and gentle humor. In her first-person, present-tense narrative, Ellie describes Raj as "goth: " "he's got piercings and is dressed entirely in black....Even his thick hair is black...except for the long blue streak in front." Ellie's lack of race consciousness makes her presumably white. Her divorced parents and stepfather are shadows in this account, which focuses on her strong connection with her grandfather, who's growing and changing as well. Most unexpected in this lightly fantastic story is a tender account of the death of a beloved pet. An ongoing STEM connection is reinforced with a backmatter "gallery" of information and suggestions for further reading about the scientists mentioned.An appealing middle school friendship story that won't disappoint the author's many fans. (Fiction. 9-14)

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August 20, 2018
In this follow-up to The Fourteenth Goldfish, seventh grader Ellie continues to experiment—socially and scientifically—in middle school. She unsuccessfully tests the dating waters with best friend Raj, a goth boy with blue-streaked hair, and rekindles a friendship with pal Brianna. Not unexpectedly, Ellie’s cantankerous but lovable scientist grandfather, Melvin, resurfaces—just in time for the county science fair (he’s a 77-year-old with dual PhDs living in a 14-year-old’s body after he reversed his aging process). Together, grandfather and granddaughter confront the limits of medical science, and a catastrophic pet accident sparks one of many discussions about the questions that scientific advances raise. Ellie learns that discovery, like overcoming her initial distaste for mushrooms on the third try, involves trials, observation, and risk. Holm delivers another thoughtful, gently humorous story. STEM-friendly back matter profiles the famous scientists that Ellie and Melvin discuss. Ages 8–12.

June 1, 2018
Grades 4-7 In Holm's The Thirteenth Goldfish (2014), Elle's grandfather Melvin, a 76-year-old widowed scientist trapped in the body of a teenage boy after discovering a substance with antiaging properties, came to live with his daughter and granddaughter. More than a year after those events, seventh-grader Elle now cajoles her cousin Melvin into helping her conduct a science experiment for extra credit. Their project, which involves fruit flies and a mutant salamander, seems promising as a way of helping animals to regenerate lost body parts, but it has unintended consequences as well. Meanwhile, Elle navigates the awkwardness of her first date, and her grandpa/cousin Melvin deals with unsettling changes of his own. Always entertaining and often amusing, Elle's first-person narrative offers fresh perspectives on the strength of middle-school friendships and family ties, as well as the pain of losing a beloved pet. A STEM thread runs throughout the book, in references to famous scientists, while an appended section profiles several of them and recommends related books. Lively, funny, and thought-provoking, here's a must-read sequel to a memorable chapter book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

September 1, 2018
Grandpa Melvin returns in this sequel to The Fourteenth Goldfish, still stuck in the body of a teenager (thanks to his earlier anti-aging experiment) and ready to help granddaughter Ellie devise a winning science-fair project. Ellie, in between performing experiments on fruit flies, reconnecting with an estranged friend, and putting up with Melvin's tendency to leave dirty socks all over the house, is also learning new lessons about relationships. She learns what it means to lose a beloved pet; a disastrous attempt at a date with her best friend Raj teaches her to value platonic friendships on their own terms. Her growth as a scientist continues, both with the fruit flies and at home, where Melvin's attempt to regrow a tooth develops some unintended consequences. Holm subtly introduces elements of scientific history without detracting from the book's plot (back matter provides additional information on scientists mentioned in the novel). The author packs an impressive amount of character development into a concise story, while Ellie's engaging first-person narration (describing a chess tournament: Hands fly. Chess pieces are knocked over. Timers smacked. It's like the board game version of a contact sport ), along with Melvin's scenery-chewing tendencies ( Scientists are not robots! We're human! We feel deeply! ) make for engaging reading, and provide an easy introduction for readers who may be meeting the characters for the first time. sarah rettger

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)