Bluefish Kindle Edition

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.

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.

The last few pages are stuck together it’s impossible to get them unstuck and so I can’t finish the book.

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

Bluefish is a beautiful written story about a boy who cannot read well, a teacher who is committed to student learning and achievement, a true friend, and life's ups and downs. The author captured the essence of the main character's struggle with reading and the power of a strong teacher-student relationship can do for a student. A must read for teachers and students as well. My sixth grade students loved it!

I hate writing a bad review, but my son found the book a bit slow and dull. It took him a long time to to find the will to finish it.

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.

I really am enjoying this book and I'd have to say Velveeta's letters are the best part. Velveeta trys to make Travis happy, but he has a sad sad sad sad sad life at his home, if only she knew...... This book is good, a little funny,sad, happy, and even more good. READ IT! ( It's good)

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!