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The Walking Fish
A humorous, exciting tale of an ordinary girl who makes an extraordinary scientific discovery—a blind fish that walks
When seventh-grader Alexis catches an unusual fish that looks like a living fossil, she sets off a frenzied scientific hunt for more of its kind. Alexis and her friend Darshan join the hunt, snorkeling, sounding the depths of Glacial Lake, even observing from a helicopter and exploring a cave. All the while, they fight to keep the selfish Dr. Mertz from claiming the discovery all for himself. When Alexis follows one final hunch, she risks her life and almost loses her friend. Walking Fish is a scientific adventure that provides a perfect combination of literacy and science.
When seventh-grader Alexis catches an unusual fish that looks like a living fossil, she sets off a frenzied scientific hunt for more of its kind. Alexis and her friend Darshan join the hunt, snorkeling, sounding the depths of Glacial Lake, even observing from a helicopter and exploring a cave. All the while, they fight to keep the selfish Dr. Mertz from claiming the discovery all for himself. When Alexis follows one final hunch, she risks her life and almost loses her friend. Walking Fish is a scientific adventure that provides a perfect combination of literacy and science.
- GenresScience
170 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 3, 2015
A good book has a good start. "The Walking Fish" has a great start:
"When you get right down to it, I only discovered the Walking Fish because Grandpa got sloppy with a chainsaw."
The first couple of chapters devoted to the relationship between Alexis, the main character, and her slightly clumsy grandpa gives the reader a clear picture of the girl who discovers the walking fish.
Alexis goes with her parents on a vacation to their cabin at Glacial Lake. Supposedly, the lake's mineral content doesn't support any fish population. This disappoints Alexis because she even brought her fishing gear. But that doesn't stop her from taking her rod and reel to the lake just to practice casting.
Something new is on the shores. Two ponds have developed within a few feet of the lake shore. Alexis curiously wades through the larger pond to see what's there and spots a movement in the water. Impossible! The lake has no fish. But Alexis is persistent in her search and soon discovers a curiosity: a strange fish with foot-like fins and a tiny blowhole on its head.
It took some doing, but Alexis and Darshan, her best friend, manage to convince the adults that there was something in the lake, but it is not like any fish they've ever seen.
The story continues with the nearby college's environmental department taking over the investigation. At first, Alexis is thrilled. They might even name the fish after her. But the obese and crabby head of the department, Dr. Mertz, takes over almost shoving Alexis aside to get himself into the limelight and to claim the new fish as his own discovery.
Alexis and Darshan are allowed to go along on the search for more of the strange fish. This includes a helicopter ride, lots of boating on the lake, and spelunking in the caves above the lake.
This is all fun adventure, but it's also a great way to teach without telling. Tumblehome has a reputation for publishing books for kids that will hold their interest and teach concepts (especially science and math) readers might only find in dull encyclopedia texts.
Along with the G.A.S. series (I loved the one on zombies), Tumblehome is the go-to publishing company for parents to buy realistic yet exciting learning experience.
As an adult, I learned a lot from "The Walking Fish," while enjoying the story. I'm certain kids will like it too.
REVIEWED ARC BY: Marva Dasef, Retired Technical Writer and author of childrens' fantasy and adventure books.
"When you get right down to it, I only discovered the Walking Fish because Grandpa got sloppy with a chainsaw."
The first couple of chapters devoted to the relationship between Alexis, the main character, and her slightly clumsy grandpa gives the reader a clear picture of the girl who discovers the walking fish.
Alexis goes with her parents on a vacation to their cabin at Glacial Lake. Supposedly, the lake's mineral content doesn't support any fish population. This disappoints Alexis because she even brought her fishing gear. But that doesn't stop her from taking her rod and reel to the lake just to practice casting.
Something new is on the shores. Two ponds have developed within a few feet of the lake shore. Alexis curiously wades through the larger pond to see what's there and spots a movement in the water. Impossible! The lake has no fish. But Alexis is persistent in her search and soon discovers a curiosity: a strange fish with foot-like fins and a tiny blowhole on its head.
It took some doing, but Alexis and Darshan, her best friend, manage to convince the adults that there was something in the lake, but it is not like any fish they've ever seen.
The story continues with the nearby college's environmental department taking over the investigation. At first, Alexis is thrilled. They might even name the fish after her. But the obese and crabby head of the department, Dr. Mertz, takes over almost shoving Alexis aside to get himself into the limelight and to claim the new fish as his own discovery.
Alexis and Darshan are allowed to go along on the search for more of the strange fish. This includes a helicopter ride, lots of boating on the lake, and spelunking in the caves above the lake.
This is all fun adventure, but it's also a great way to teach without telling. Tumblehome has a reputation for publishing books for kids that will hold their interest and teach concepts (especially science and math) readers might only find in dull encyclopedia texts.
Along with the G.A.S. series (I loved the one on zombies), Tumblehome is the go-to publishing company for parents to buy realistic yet exciting learning experience.
As an adult, I learned a lot from "The Walking Fish," while enjoying the story. I'm certain kids will like it too.
REVIEWED ARC BY: Marva Dasef, Retired Technical Writer and author of childrens' fantasy and adventure books.
April 27, 2015
In recent years, I have read many books in the juvenile fiction genre that are wildly popular. The Walking Fish is far superior to any of them. It is certainly better written while retaining its appeal to adolescent readers and is an inspiration for young women interested in science with its portrayal of a strong female lead character.
As a fan of Neil Shuban’s Your Inner Fish, I was excited to see the publication of The Walking Fish which serves as an excellent introduction for younger readers into the realm of STEM related subjects. When notified of its impending release, I immediately accepted the opportunity to review a copy from the publisher.
It is an excellent choice to be used as supplemental curriculum in a science class, ELA class or an interdisciplinary class when combined with the free high quality teaching guide (pdf) found on the publisher’s website. Extension activities are provided to differentiate instruction and links are included to additional resources. As an ELA supplement, it addresses both key concepts and skills. For science classes, it covers key concepts in Life Science and Earth Systems.
Beyond academics, The Walking Fish is equally appealing as a choice for ‘reading for pleasure’. The plot and character development are superb. The authors obviously did their research as evidenced by their accurate portrayal of scientific facts woven into the story. I look forward to more adventures for Alexis and her friend, Darshan, in the coming years.
As a fan of Neil Shuban’s Your Inner Fish, I was excited to see the publication of The Walking Fish which serves as an excellent introduction for younger readers into the realm of STEM related subjects. When notified of its impending release, I immediately accepted the opportunity to review a copy from the publisher.
It is an excellent choice to be used as supplemental curriculum in a science class, ELA class or an interdisciplinary class when combined with the free high quality teaching guide (pdf) found on the publisher’s website. Extension activities are provided to differentiate instruction and links are included to additional resources. As an ELA supplement, it addresses both key concepts and skills. For science classes, it covers key concepts in Life Science and Earth Systems.
Beyond academics, The Walking Fish is equally appealing as a choice for ‘reading for pleasure’. The plot and character development are superb. The authors obviously did their research as evidenced by their accurate portrayal of scientific facts woven into the story. I look forward to more adventures for Alexis and her friend, Darshan, in the coming years.
April 26, 2015
Alexis learned to love fishing from her grandpa. So when her family goes up to their summer cabin on Glacial Lake, she takes her fishing gear. But to her dismay, no fish are living in the lake. It has to do with minerals or something in the lake. But Alexis takes her rod down to the lake to practice and accidentally catches a fish. No one believes her at first. But when she and her friend, Darshan bring the fish to the house and put it in the bathtub the whole town gets involved. Because this isn't an ordinary fish. This fish has no eyes and little feet.
I'm not a huge science person. So I can't judge this book on how well they immersed the science into the story. But I can tell you that my son really enjoyed reading the story and it brought up lots of questions that we had to research and discuss. My husband and I both enjoyed reading the story on our own, as adults. The characters were fun and believable. There was humor, life lessons, a little bit of drama, and fun. The imagery put the reader into the story. I liked the book for its story and for what my son learned while reading it. I would definitely recommend this story and am looking forward to reading more by these authors.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
I'm not a huge science person. So I can't judge this book on how well they immersed the science into the story. But I can tell you that my son really enjoyed reading the story and it brought up lots of questions that we had to research and discuss. My husband and I both enjoyed reading the story on our own, as adults. The characters were fun and believable. There was humor, life lessons, a little bit of drama, and fun. The imagery put the reader into the story. I liked the book for its story and for what my son learned while reading it. I would definitely recommend this story and am looking forward to reading more by these authors.
I received this book free of charge from JKS Communications in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2015
Full review: http://myfantabulousbookshelf.blogspo...
Another first in my experimentations of other genres, and once again I was simultaneously surprised and impressed. I was ready to critique it as a middle-grade, not exactly comprehending what exactly that meant, but I went into it expecting a "middle grade read", something I, understandably, would not enjoy. However, it surpassed my expectations. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, the setting. It was a fantastic mix of creative and realistic.
The protagonist Alexis has so much determination and perseverance, a quality that is incredibly inspirational to younger children. This is definitely a book I would recommend as a cute, young read either for yourself or a younger sibling/child.
Another first in my experimentations of other genres, and once again I was simultaneously surprised and impressed. I was ready to critique it as a middle-grade, not exactly comprehending what exactly that meant, but I went into it expecting a "middle grade read", something I, understandably, would not enjoy. However, it surpassed my expectations. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, the setting. It was a fantastic mix of creative and realistic.
The protagonist Alexis has so much determination and perseverance, a quality that is incredibly inspirational to younger children. This is definitely a book I would recommend as a cute, young read either for yourself or a younger sibling/child.
June 7, 2015
"The Walking Fish" by Rachelle Burk and Kopel Burk is a novel written for age range from 9-12 years. "The Walking Fish" is an exciting adventure of a young girl and her neighbour when on a summer holiday. Alexis, the main character, makes an important discovery when exploring the lake and overspill pool near the property of her parents summer home.
I absolutely loved the book. The characters were well written and the storyline very descriptive. The book offers the young reader the opportunity to discover the importance of learning biology, geography and science by having these subjects come alive. As an occupational therapist, I appreciated the fact that two of the characters had a disability and yet their disability is mentioned in passing as though it is a part of everyday life. The book also demonstrates the benefits of leisure time activities such as hiking, fishing, cycling, going to the library, going away on vacation.
In a modern age of technology, it was wonderful to see that cell phones were referred to in passing in context with a focus on everyday life. This encourages the youth to use cell phones where needed and not to get pulled into unhealthy habits of being addicted to texting, social networking etc.
The characters and relationships between them highlight the importance of developing healthy relationships with ones parents, grandparents, neighbours and others in the community in which one lives. The adventure also teaches the consequences of not listening to parents and the importance of being honest and taking necessary safety precautions at all times.
I very much enjoyed the fact that the book did not have any violence, foul language, sex or crudeness. Despite not having these negative elements that so many books of today contain, the book has sufficient intrigue, mystery and adventure to keep a person happily absorbed in the story. I enjoyed finding a walking fish on Wikipedia, making the unusual concept an exciting reality.
I highly recommend this book. A wonderful story and very well written.
The book review is written by
Shoshanah Shear
Occupational Therapist and Healing Facilitator
Author and Artist
I absolutely loved the book. The characters were well written and the storyline very descriptive. The book offers the young reader the opportunity to discover the importance of learning biology, geography and science by having these subjects come alive. As an occupational therapist, I appreciated the fact that two of the characters had a disability and yet their disability is mentioned in passing as though it is a part of everyday life. The book also demonstrates the benefits of leisure time activities such as hiking, fishing, cycling, going to the library, going away on vacation.
In a modern age of technology, it was wonderful to see that cell phones were referred to in passing in context with a focus on everyday life. This encourages the youth to use cell phones where needed and not to get pulled into unhealthy habits of being addicted to texting, social networking etc.
The characters and relationships between them highlight the importance of developing healthy relationships with ones parents, grandparents, neighbours and others in the community in which one lives. The adventure also teaches the consequences of not listening to parents and the importance of being honest and taking necessary safety precautions at all times.
I very much enjoyed the fact that the book did not have any violence, foul language, sex or crudeness. Despite not having these negative elements that so many books of today contain, the book has sufficient intrigue, mystery and adventure to keep a person happily absorbed in the story. I enjoyed finding a walking fish on Wikipedia, making the unusual concept an exciting reality.
I highly recommend this book. A wonderful story and very well written.
The book review is written by
Shoshanah Shear
Occupational Therapist and Healing Facilitator
Author and Artist
June 15, 2015
From the opening paragraph of this book, I was “hooked” on The Walking Fish. I could not wait to see what happened to the fish. I found myself identifying with the fish and rooting it on like the proverbial underdog, (or I should say “underfish” in this case?) in its struggle to live after being removed from the pond and into the hands of humans at the science lab.
I loved the well-developed characters and enjoyed following them through their personal challenges, each one stimulating others in the story to grow personally through honest dialog and interaction. Plenty of descriptive imagery to create the scene and keep the story alive without bogging it down with details.
Written from the perspective that a young teen can easily relate to, we see Alexis sail through disappointments and victories with her friends, family, and community. Her quest for satisfying her innate curiosity about the opposite gender led her to several embarrassing moments from which she learned about social interaction with peers and adults.
Mystery, intrigue, danger, and real-to-life characters and situations! The author cleverly manipulated of the storyline to weave blurbs of academic, historical, and scientific interests through the characters’ inner and outer dialog.
I look forward to sharing this story with my grandchildren!
Yvonne Perry
Weare1inspirit.com
I loved the well-developed characters and enjoyed following them through their personal challenges, each one stimulating others in the story to grow personally through honest dialog and interaction. Plenty of descriptive imagery to create the scene and keep the story alive without bogging it down with details.
Written from the perspective that a young teen can easily relate to, we see Alexis sail through disappointments and victories with her friends, family, and community. Her quest for satisfying her innate curiosity about the opposite gender led her to several embarrassing moments from which she learned about social interaction with peers and adults.
Mystery, intrigue, danger, and real-to-life characters and situations! The author cleverly manipulated of the storyline to weave blurbs of academic, historical, and scientific interests through the characters’ inner and outer dialog.
I look forward to sharing this story with my grandchildren!
Yvonne Perry
Weare1inspirit.com
October 12, 2017
I thought this book was interesting and was realistic. This book is about science and nature. I really enjoyed reading this book, because I have a close relationship with my grandfather and he has introduce several aspects in my life that I appreciate and will continue to love. I'm not a huge fan of science, but this book allowed me to appreciate different aspects of science, geography, and life. I felt the relationships between characters was an important part of the story. Overall, the book wasn't what I was expecting and I'm glad I enjoyed reading this story. I would also recommend this book .
March 28, 2021
As a former middle school science teacher, I definitely approve of this book! A short, engaging read - this would be an excellent book to have students read and then tie in to so many different scientific topics.
Alexis Byron is a seventh-grade girl on summer vacation at her family’s lake house when she makes a curious discovery. Alexis has stumbled onto what was once believed to be an extinct, prehistoric fish that is not only blind and has a lung, but it can also walk. This story follows Alexis and her best friend Darshan as they aide the research team in searching for answers and information about what this special fish is, why it has such strange features, and how it came to be in Alexis’s backyard in the small pond just off of the lake. Full of adventures, and a bit of trouble and danger as well, this book is absolutely brimming with excellent scientific references and explanations.
Alexis Byron is a seventh-grade girl on summer vacation at her family’s lake house when she makes a curious discovery. Alexis has stumbled onto what was once believed to be an extinct, prehistoric fish that is not only blind and has a lung, but it can also walk. This story follows Alexis and her best friend Darshan as they aide the research team in searching for answers and information about what this special fish is, why it has such strange features, and how it came to be in Alexis’s backyard in the small pond just off of the lake. Full of adventures, and a bit of trouble and danger as well, this book is absolutely brimming with excellent scientific references and explanations.
July 29, 2022
The science and adventure aspects of this book were 5 stars, but the characterization of an overweight character who doesn’t pick up social cues and can’t make eye contact as a complete villain without real redemption (and the constant mockery of him without an arc of realizing that’s wrong) was unacceptable- especially in a book for young people. It basically condoned/encouraged bullying of larger people and Autistic folks. I’m not sure what the author was thinking, or why children’s books continue to include bullying by the heroes without any consequence, but it’s a good reminder that bullying doesn’t come FROM children, it’s learned behavior that adults are continually teaching them.
January 12, 2025
Rachelle Burk is coming to my school at the end of the month, and I had never heard of her before. This book was great! It was very well written, had humor, and honestly portrays a middle schooler who's a good kid but twists things around a little to suit herself and is naturally curious. It's a perfect STEM/STEAM read!
September 4, 2019
The imaginatively fictitious story that is closed to genuinity on how they stated that there are lots to explore & be adventurous at the same time even doing it all by yourself and starting them young to be fearless, too.
March 2, 2021
This book was honestly to easy for me but I really like it for some reason and I reread it all the time
January 2, 2022
This is a great book for younger readers interested in science, specifically Zoology and environmental science. This was a fun, short read!
October 8, 2022
Read as a potential selection for an all-school read. I think this book would get kids excited about scientific discovery and outdoor exploration.
October 14, 2024
This will be a good read for the students in my classes.
April 25, 2015
As a science teacher and a parent, I am always on the lookout for books about science with which to engage the youth in my life. I’ve read Rachelle’s first book, Treehouse in a Storm, to my classes every year during our study of hurricanes. This picture book for young readers has a simple poignancy that my adolescents respond to. Rachelle’s newest foray into writing is even better. Many aspects of the story appeal to me and will undoubtedly appeal to elementary and middle school readers.
The most striking feature of the writing is that it creates a world that the reader slips into easily and comfortably. A professional writer providing a review might discuss character development and pacing and other such literary features. I’ll just say that I was captivated by the charm of the characters and the uncomplicated elegance of the writing. The best part is that the book is about science! The story combines biology and geology in both academic and adventure settings that capture the readers’ interest and imagination. The explanations of scientific terms are straightforward, sending the message that science is not difficult. The plot and settings draw the reader into the art of field research with excitement such as helicopter rides and spelunking. (The descriptions of adding dye to the water to locate the ponds reminded me of my time with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. I used dye to trace the outfalls of sewer lines.)
I absolutely loved the first chapter. The exchange of puns between the main character and her grandfather felt warm and loving. Rachelle brings us back to the beginning in the last chapter, which closes the story with a similar scene. This makes the book neatly complete. In the intervening pages there exist several memorable characters, my favorite of which is Simon, a gifted but awkward teen. I hold a specialized degree in gifted education. Rachelle captured the idiosyncrasies of these children very well.
The most striking feature of the writing is that it creates a world that the reader slips into easily and comfortably. A professional writer providing a review might discuss character development and pacing and other such literary features. I’ll just say that I was captivated by the charm of the characters and the uncomplicated elegance of the writing. The best part is that the book is about science! The story combines biology and geology in both academic and adventure settings that capture the readers’ interest and imagination. The explanations of scientific terms are straightforward, sending the message that science is not difficult. The plot and settings draw the reader into the art of field research with excitement such as helicopter rides and spelunking. (The descriptions of adding dye to the water to locate the ponds reminded me of my time with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. I used dye to trace the outfalls of sewer lines.)
I absolutely loved the first chapter. The exchange of puns between the main character and her grandfather felt warm and loving. Rachelle brings us back to the beginning in the last chapter, which closes the story with a similar scene. This makes the book neatly complete. In the intervening pages there exist several memorable characters, my favorite of which is Simon, a gifted but awkward teen. I hold a specialized degree in gifted education. Rachelle captured the idiosyncrasies of these children very well.
August 1, 2015
I love the way Rachelle Burk writes (here in a tale inspired by and in collaboration with her Uncle Kopel). Where some YA fiction can sound patronizing, the voices of all the characters in "The Walking Fish" are rich, resonant and authentic. What's more, the main character -- the wonderfully drawn seventh-grader Alexis -- would be anyone's idea of a wonderful partner in summer adventure. Who wouldn't want to go spelunking or snorkeling with her? Who wouldn't envy the closeness she shares with her grandpa and the amazing adventures she shares with her friend Darshan? A blind fish that walks? Alexis takes the bait and what ensues is field research to inspire even kids who equate scientific inquiry with homework. This charming tale doesn't condescend. It's complex and vivid. Whether explaining biology and geology or extolling the importance of being prepared (and listening to your elders every once in a while), "The Walking Fish" is first and foremost a classic romp with special characters you'll want to revisit again and again. What will provide the jumping-off point for Alexis's next scientific adventure? What will be her next extraordinary discovery -- and where will it take us? This book is especially recommended for young girls looking to engage in (and have fun with) science.
March 11, 2015
An adventurous tale of an amazing summer adventure! Alexis, can I join you on your adventures next summer? I say this because the characters the Burk has developed jump off of the page and engage your imagination as if they are real people. I really liked all aspects of this book, but most importantly its accuracy. Burk has accurately communicated the science and portrayed the excitement of cave exploration without watering it down or taking away from the adventure. It is a great read with a nice balance between science and science fiction. I think this would make an exciting read for young minds, especially girls. It is nice to see young science minded girls as the hero! Thanks for developing this story- I hope there are further adventures with young Alexis.
Read
February 7, 2016The Walking Fish caught me by surprise. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this book was a pleasant surprise. The author expertly weaves science into an adventure mystery. The characters are strong and real. No character is all good / all bad, and you can sense their dilemmas. Alexis is an engaging character, and I particularly loved her relationship with her grandfather.
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October 14, 2015
I started reading this book months ago because one of my 6th graders recommended it. I was reading other things too, so it took a while to finish it.
Here's who it's for -- kids who like science & nature and kids who prefer animals to people. It's especially good for social skills discussions because the interactions are all so deliberate.
Even though I don't fit the demographic, I found myself engrossed in Alexis's discovery and how it all played out.
Here's who it's for -- kids who like science & nature and kids who prefer animals to people. It's especially good for social skills discussions because the interactions are all so deliberate.
Even though I don't fit the demographic, I found myself engrossed in Alexis's discovery and how it all played out.
June 25, 2016
This was a great book. Coming from a scientific background, so much of the story hit home. Not heavy on the details, which makes it a quick read. I was able to predict much of the story line, but I am an adult, not in middle school. If there are any kids who like science or the outdoors, you might want them to check this book out. :)
October 10, 2016
This book introduces science in a way that shows children that there are still more things out there and it spikes curiosity.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews