The Fourteenth Goldfish
Written by Jennifer Holm
Summary:
Ellie’s scientist grandfather has discovered a way to reverse aging, and consequently has turned into a teenager–which makes for complicated relationships when he moves in with Ellie and her mother, his daughter.
Primary Source Pairing:
Ellie’s character was somewhat created by the experiences author Jennifer Holm had while growing up with a pediatrician father who frequently kept bacteria-growing petri dishes in the family’s refrigerator! In the Author’s Note, Holm encourages all readers to think like a scientist and observe the world around them. Use the pairing of the image of Marie Curie as a starting point to research other influential scientists of the past. Additionally, research current scientists and the breakthroughs they are making. DOGO News is a good place to start this research.
Questions for Discussion:
- Describe what you see.
- What do you notice first?
- What is the physical setting?
- What’s happening in the image?
- When do you think it was made?
Credits:
Book Cover and Summary: Follett
Image of Marie Curie: Serious Science website
For more information on the scientists Ellie includes in her Gallery Of Scientists at the back of The Fourteenth Goldfish book, click on the following names:
Primary Source Pairings 