The Most Important Thing

TheMost Important Thing: Stories About Sons, Fathers & Grandfathers by Avi, 216 pages

“One of the most beloved writers of our time presents seven short stories exploring the vital ties between fathers and sons. Luke sees the ghost of his father but can't figure out what Dad wants him to do. Paul takes a camping trip with the grandfather he's just met and discovers what lies behind the man's erratic behavior. Ryan has some surprising questions when he interviews his prospective stepfather for the job. In a compellingly honest collection of stories, multiple-award-winning author Avi introduces seven boys--boys with fathers at home and boys whose fathers have left, boys who spend most of their time with their grandfathers and boys who would rather spend time with anyone but the men in their lives. By turns heartbreaking, hopeful, and funny, the stories show us boys seeking acceptance, guidance, or just someone to look up to. Each one shines a different light on the question ‘What is the most important thing a father can do for his son?’" This was a good, solid collection of stories.  I think that it would have a lot of appeal for elementary age kids, especially boys.

The Fourteenth Goldfish

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm, 195 pages

Ellie’s grandfather has figured out the secret to eternal youth.  He has turned himself into a teenager again.  Of course, now he looks like a kid and needs adult supervision, so he has moved in with Ellie and her mom.  Ellie’s mom is not interested in science at all, despite her father’s profession.  Instead, she became interested in the arts and works as a high school drama teacher.  Ellie’s mom and grandfather have always argued a lot and that hasn’t changed since he moved in with them.  However, Ellie has started to get to know him and has found that she has an interest in science.  The more she learns the more she wonders just what her grandfather’s discovery could really mean for the world.  This was a really nice, fun story about a girl growing up.  Although there is a science fiction bent to the story, it isn’t the main focus.  Older elementary and middle school age kids who like science or realistic fiction would probably like this book.