Bluefish by Pam Schmatz

All Travis wanted was to survive the school year.  Not make friends or ace his classes--just survive.  The one thing he had learned was not to expect much from anyone.  His parents died long ago and his grandfather is barely there.  Even his dog disappeared.  He knew that his life would be awful and he had almost even accepted it.  But this year life would surprise Travis.  This year Travis's secrets will be revealed, and for good or for bad it will change his life forever.

The story switches between sparse but powerful chapters from Travis’s perspective and chapters from his Velveeta’s perspective with a lot of personality and flair. Their voices ring true as Schmatz touches on many compelling issues.   I'd give this to teens looking for a quick and touching read.

Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

Erica's Picks
6th- 8th grade
Tags: Character Driven, Contemporary Fiction, Friendship, Issues Fiction, School Stories

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