Though this was written about eighth graders, I found the style to be delightful and the characters compelling.

The story was mostly written from a third person omniscient point of view from Travis's perspective, but every chapter had something from Velveeta's perspective. This worked quite quaintly. The sections were short enough that they didn't hinder. Velveeta's voice was so, well, Velveeta, and it really helped to build up her character.

I felt at points that the characters were a little too mature for eighth graders, but then I realized that I was wrong and that yes, in eighth grade it really is important who one goes to the dance with. Their actions were very real and really reminded me of what it was like to be that age.

I didn't even notice that Travis was disabled, just that he hadn't been taught in the right ways for him. He was just a regular kid with regular problems, and I felt him so hard when he had trouble admitting his struggles. His teacher was very admirable.

The strongest aspect of the story was definitely the writing. Schmatz definitely had a compelling style and her words were both simple yet captivating, and she cleverly crafted his story.

I don't commonly find stories about middle schoolers strong, but this one was quite fascinating. With its strong writing, I highly recommend it for anyone in the age group. ( )

If you know me, or follow my postings, many of you know that I’m not. Realistic Fiction reader, however; this was a pretty descent story. Like most YA Realistic Fiction, this story began with one of the most depressing lives that our main character if forced to live. Yet, Travis manages to drudge through with no positive outlook. Grandpa is ruthless and poor Roscoe is lost or even dead. But then comes Velveeta, she’s loud, boisterous, unrelenting and funny. Her dreary yet comical outlook is what Travis needs, that an a teacher that can make a difference in Travis’ life.
This story is not as predictable as many YA Realistic Fiction books and maybe the character of the teacher is one I can relate too, nonetheless it is a great tale for 6th graders, both male and female. ( )

It's been a long time since I enjoyed the drama of the cafeteria table, but I've just relived it twice in reading "Bluefish" and "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. Where do I sit? Who will sit with me? Whom will I court as a tablemate? Will you trade your Doritos for my twinkie?

Bluefish is a quick read focused on the plight of its endearing characters, each with their own secrets and problems. Travis, who lives with his just-recovering alcoholic grandfather, is quiet and intense. Vida, nicknamed Velveeta years earlier, is a quirky verbal gymnast who lives with her not-recovering alcoholic mother. Both families are just getting by. They are joined at the lunch table by Bradley, portrayed as middle class, but is ostracized for his academic success and his athletic failure. There is some terrific Tom Stoppardesque verbal ping-pong between Velveeta & Bradley across the cafeteria trays.

There is intrigue, flirtation, a teacher with a heart of gold & surefire technique, AND a hip librarian who wears her library on her sleeve. Despite this reliance on character, the plot moves along to an appropriately unknotted conclusion.

I enjoyed this book, but have lent it to a 7th-grade girl for a test read. I will also test it on a few other students, but I think it will meet with their approval. ( )

It's been a long time since I enjoyed the drama of the cafeteria table, but I've just relived it twice in reading "Bluefish" and "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. Where do I sit? Who will sit with me? Whom will I court as a tablemate? Will you trade your Doritos for my twinkie?

Bluefish is a quick read focused on the plight of its endearing characters, each with their own secrets and problems. Travis, who lives with his just-recovering alcoholic grandfather, is quiet and intense. Vida, nicknamed Velveeta years earlier, is a quirky verbal gymnast who lives with her not-recovering alcoholic mother. Both families are just getting by. They are joined at the lunch table by Bradley, portrayed as middle class, but is ostracized for his academic success and his athletic failure. There is some terrific Tom Stoppardesque verbal ping-pong between Velveeta & Bradley across the cafeteria trays.

There is intrigue, flirtation, a teacher with a heart of gold & surefire technique, AND a hip librarian who wears her library on her sleeve. Despite this reliance on character, the plot moves along to an appropriately unknotted conclusion.

I enjoyed this book, but have lent it to a 7th-grade girl for a test read. I will also test it on a few other students, but I think it will meet with their approval. ( )

Travis is starting in a new school for (7th grade? 8th grade?) after moving with his Grandfather, an alcoholic, into a smaller house in a new town. But Travis can't read. Velveeta has been at the school. She's outgoing, and unusual to the extreme. Right off, she takes a liking to Travis. These two primary characters makeup the core of the book, with Bradley, certifiably brilliant, and therefore an outcast for a different reason, as a secondary character. Travis is hypersensitive about his own illiteracy. Velveeta is hypersensitive about her trailer-trash family, such as it is. And Bradley just wants someone to be his friend. The three want to be friends, but their own insecurities constantly get in the way. But in spite of all their troubles, the reader can't help but love all three, and constantly root for them to see what we see from the beginning... that any of the three would be the best friend you could hope for. ( )