After a kid returned The Fourteenth Goldfish to the library, I asked him how it was and he replied, "It was the best book I've ever read." This meant I had to read it, obviously. The main character is Ellie, a twelve-year-old girl who discovers a love for science thanks to her grandfather, Melvin (who is a hilarious curmudgeon). In addition to bits about different famous scientists, there are also themes of friendship, family, and growing up. It's a poignant book that doesn't try too hard, which I liked. It wrapped up a little to quickly for my adult taste, but I don't think that would bother the middle-school readers it was intended for. This one is good for both boys and girls, especially if they enjoy science.