Bluefish

By: Pat Schmatz

Narrated by: Luke Daniels, Kate Rudd

It sucks being with Grandpa in this new town. It sucks that they left the old place without finding Rosco. Travis doesn’t want to do anything, especially try to get by in his classes, which never seems possible, anyway. He’s a Bluefish - stupid, angry, alone.

Then, suddenly, there’s a girl. Velveeta. She’s up in his face and she’s not backing down. She is as loud as he is quiet, as outgoing as he is shut in. She’s pretty, in a funky, scarf-wearing sort of way, and she’s smart - way smart - smart enough to figure out that Travis has a secret. And she should know. She has a few of her own. She’s not sure what’s up with him, but she’s determined to find out. So is McQueen, the teacher who might just be the one to unleash something in Travis that has been held back for a very long time.

With a cast of utterly believable characters, Pat Schmatz has crafted a story rich in moments of trust and connection, told with humor, heartbreak, and fearless honesty.

©2011 Pat Schmatz (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Realistic Fiction Doesn’t Seem So Real

First, I am a huge fan of YA Fantasy/Supernatural/ Magic stories. I do not read much in the genre of Realistic Fiction. But it seems that the more I do, the less it is a portrayal of real life. Many times everything doesn’t work out for the best and that tragic ending really does happen. I don’t think I’m a pessimistic person, but the realistic YA books seem a little too cheery at the end and , well that’s not real. This book is a good story, but again - it all works out in the end . . .

Bluefish reflection

As a future educator and someone who has had special needs students in a classroom, this book is great. It’s okay to be different. Just because you have a disability or special need or a “secret”, doesn’t make you a “bluefish”. This story is filled with heart, joy and sadness. I enjoyed this book. I hope other future teachers or current teachers will also.

Keeps on giving

This book is quite extraordinary because after each chapter new details and new situations catch your mind and make you ponder about them then onto the next stanza with no hesitance.

Friendship, understanding

This story is a real eye-opener to some people and it can really affect how you see people

Great book

This book had a lot of character and had a very good plot and story. It was very entertaining. Great narraters.