How to Be a Goldfish

by Jane Baird Warren

When her class is assigned a family tree project, Lizzie knows hers will become fodder for Scotch Gully’s town gossips. It’s 1981, and she’s the only one with an unmarried mom. So she turns to her neighbour Harry for advice, but he has problems of his own. A stranger has turned up, claiming to own his farm, and Harry is being forced out.

For David, the new owner’s son, everything is riding on this. The farm is his chance to escape the city and his bullies at school. And maybe even get his mom away from her horrible new fiancé. But he wasn’t expecting to find someone else living there.

Lizzie and David become surprising allies, and as their family stories crack wide open, they uncover the keys that could save Harry and his farm. But sharing long-buried secrets has a cost too. Can they trust themselves — and each other — to find the way forward together?
How to Be a Goldfish is a gripping story about lost and found family, fierce friendship, warm griddle cakes, and finding the courage to be who you were always meant to be.

Genres: Middle Grade, Canada, LGBT, Historical Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

Jane Baird Warren is a first-generation with fresh-off-the-boat parents. Literally! Her father came on a boat from Norway and her mother from Scotland. Jane grew up surrounded by a rich and often confusing blend of accents and began collecting new words like some kids collect action figures. At nine she read the dictionary front to back and announced she was going to be a spelunker because she like the word.

Jane left Canada in 1998. For twenty years she travelled extensively in Europe, Scandinavia and Asia as well as South America, and Africa. During her travels she completed an MFA in Creative Writing (she loves writing on airplanes!). Jane also has a Bed and a BPE and has worked as a teacher, personal trainer, coach.

In her fiction and in real life, Jane is fascinated by people — the good ones, the bad ones, and the ones who are ugly inside — but what she values most in both worlds is kindness and courage. She is currently obsessed with the notion of family secrets and how uncovering the truth changes how kids (adults, too!) see and define themselves. She has ridiculous memory for trivia, which she'd always believed was the most useless superpower a girl could have. Until she started writing.

You can find more information about Jane Baird Warren on her website. https://janebairdwarren.com Drop by and leave a note. She loves visitors.

Reviews

[Sheila Averbuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super historical middle grade set in 1981 Canada, filled with family secrets and local gossip, told against a backdrop of gay civil rights and still-simmering popular homophobia.

City boy David dreams of a different life, ideally somewhere with a dog, but anyplace far from his mom's horrible boyfriend and his pokey apartment.

Farm girl Lizzie dreams of having a huge family like everyone else she knows, but she's an only child and her lone parent is, controversially, a single mother.

When David's grandfather dies and leaves his mom an abandoned farm, no one expects to find people living there. Farmer Harry is a war buddy of David's grandad and is like a grandad to Lizzie.

While the horrible boyfriend wants to evict Harry and sell the farm, David and Lizzie team up to uncover a decades-old family secret.

I just loved this story about lost love and found family -- it's perfect for fans of Lauren Wolk and Hilary McKay, packed with the real dramas of farm-life, and humanizing forgotten historic events that pulled families apart. A confident, touching debut. 5 stars.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was such a fun and unique read. The author did a great job of crafting a narrative that felt vibrant and alive on the page, while also infusing elements of nostalgia with the unique setting of the 80s. The thing that immediately stood out to me was how the author managed to incorporate several different styles of genres into the book, ranging from children’s books to Middle School age and even some YA elements as well. This made the story feel relevant to all types of readers and gave some heart to the larger themes of the story.

The balance between the author’s character development and the larger themes mentioned previously was so well done in this book. The relatable and reliable protagonists Lizzie and David made the story feel more engaging as the narrative kept turning, and the complex stories woven into the fabric of the novel kept all the characters interesting, even the narrow-minded and hateful Bethany. Yet it was the emotional way the story lent itself to the themes of family that is found rather than already had, and the importance of friendship and acceptance of oneself that made the whole book really come together.

The Verdict

Stunningly relatable, entertaining, and empowering, author Jane Baird Warren’s “How to Be a Goldfish” is a must-read novel of 2022 for children, middle-aged kids, and YA fans alike! The book moved at a quick pace, and yet held so much character composition and impactful themes that helped the narrative shine brightly through.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and immersive novel set in the 1980s that delves into the historical background of a number of human rights issues stretching all the way back to the 1930s in Canada. Each of these issues still resonate today and Jane Baird Warren is to be credited for weaving it all together so seamlessly. I love the dual narratives of Lizzie and David -- both voices are spot-on and engaging. What I love most about this novel is that the author respects the intelligence of young her reader. Smart and nuanced with no spoon-feeding.

[Brenda]

beautiful fun book to read.

[Marci Laevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction set in the 80s? Can’t go wrong. Cute story with real life conflicts. Quick, enjoyable read!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this historical middle grade set in 1981 Canada. It’s a story of kindness, courage, and the unraveling of family secrets. Jane Baird Warren masterfully presents two point of view characters, David, a city kid who is obsessed with Star Wars, and Lizzie, a farm girl who is on her way to being just as straight-talking as her grandmother. Filled with fascinating Canadian history relating to the treatment of gays, child indentured servants, and single mothers, Warren weaves a story filled with family lies and secrets. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as truths begin to emerge and competing ideas of what is a perfect family risk to tear two families apart. Hope is always at hand, however, as well as witty and entertaining expressions, making How to Be a Goldfish both a fun and suspense-filled read!

[Scribble's Worth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to be a Goldfish by Jane Baird Warren is a moving story about family, courage, and heroism. This short novel is deceptively nuanced and layered with themes just as relevant today as the time in which the story was set: 1981. Using the Sinclair and Macrath families, Baird Warren eloquently disclosed historical travesties committed decades prior against several groups of people, namely, young, unwed mothers, British orphans used for indentureship, and the LGBTQ+ community. The unveiling of this history that had been ‘erased’ (gracefully pointed out within the book’s prose), was an act of bravery and an example of the quiet heroism that was used as the crucible from which this story emerged.

The importance of history—and even more so erased or forgotten history—is paramount to this book’s plot. It partners well with the theme of family (given and chosen) and the secrets that lie within the fabric of each. To paraphrase Susan (one of the book’s supporting characters):“secrets always come out.” This is an award-winning double entendre in action, as it speaks to the duality of these themes. Baird Warren demonstrates mastery in her ability to narrate a profoundly nuanced and timeless / ageless tale that could easily be dismissed as a simple children’s story at first blush.

Using adolescents as the protagonists was a clever way to introduce the subject matter with compassion and without judgement, while infusing a tenderness that will provoke emotion from the reader. Lizzie and David (the book’s protagonists) personify the ‘underdog’: clever, creative, curious, and courageous. They were multilayered, relatable, and likeable characters that you yearned to champion. Supporting them was Harry Doak, whose kindness was amplified by his backstory. Together, these three represented the heart of the story, and I freely admit to shedding a few tears while reading.

Baird Warren again showed great skill in her crafting of these characters, and as someone who prefers a ‘character-rich’ tale, How to be a Goldfish delivered on every note, including the crafting of the antagonists who provided an excellent foil to the story’s heroes.

Of course, the term underdog implies an ‘overdog,’ so it is inevitable that the theme of bullying would be included. The forever companion of bullying—bigotry—also reared its ugly head within the pages. As the story unfolded various forms of bigotry and their insidious presence within society were revealed. The sanctioning of these biases to the point of laws being assumed and integrated to preserve an ‘idealized’ idea of a ‘perfect’ society represented an ignorant and tragic history that current society would seek to conceal, forget, or erase. This story highlighted the importance of uncovering such secrets so that society can heal and evolve past such injustices.

It is not lost to me the year in which this story was set. 1981 is a very specific year, and the author was sure to make the links in her acknowledgments. Personally, I found it even more grievous that so many of these biases continue to plague contemporary society. While Lizzie and David represented the hope for the new generation to accept and evolve, it is disheartening that their hope for a more equitable future is still to be realized. Nonetheless, this book was hopeful in its conclusion, and through the arc of minor character Bethany, Baird Warren was able to plant the seed of hope for the possibility of change.

This multilayered story also addressed themes of mental health, teen pregnancy, single parenthood, and family. Deep within the rich prose, compelling images, captivating characters, and profound thematic discourse, Baird Warren surprised me with an embedded mystery. Though not too complex, it advanced the narrative and pacing while adding an additional layer to the plot. A layer that many readers will find compelling and one that fully clothed the story’s primary purpose.

How to be a Goldfish is a multigenerational story that is charming, heart wrenching, compelling and profound. It is well researched, descriptive, and gracefully told. Jane Baird Warren is a griot of great skill. She wove a tale that was relatable yet enlightening, emotional yet humourous, and tragic yet hopeful. Her eloquence in crafting this tender, inspirational, and kind story elevated and erased limits set for a target audience. This is a truly ageless story that revealed Baird Warren to be a ‘goldfish’ herself.

Pros:

• Relevant themes
• Likable, relatable, and nuanced characters
• Compellingly hopeful story used to dispense tragic ‘unknown / erased’ history
• Well researched and told

Cons:

• Honestly couldn’t find a ‘con’ but if hard pressed would be the inability to clearly define the demographic of the target audience. The subject matter and themes, though historical, are rather adult for pre-teen but that is admittedly my own bias.
• I would’ve liked to learn more about Lizzie’s father, but understandably, it would have distracted from the main purpose of the story. It was a perfectly constructed story from beginning to end, but there could be room to expand the ‘story’s universe’ should the author decide to.

Favourite Characters:
• Lizzie and David – symbols of hope, and the strength of the next generation
• Harry – His kindness was at the heart of the book

Cover Score: 9.0/10

Boo k Score: 9.0/10

Original review by Bunny @ https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...

[J. Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, you’re going to enjoy How To Be A Goldfish—I promise! With care and attention to detail, Jane Baird Warren has carefully crafted a young person’s novel that I am sure will become a Canadian classic.
The two main characters are Lizzie and David, both thirteen. At school, Lizzie’s class is given the assignment of creating a family tree at school; what she’s expected to share about her family could prove to be both humiliating and distressing. This is the 80s, remember, before there was a greater sensitivity to difference, to the definition of family, to the drawbacks and possible harm caused by being forced to reveal private connections. Blended families, broken families, unconventional configurations of family that are more readily accepted now. But this is the world Lizzie and her new friend David have to navigate at school and with their families. Lizzie must move against the current in the halls of school, ‘like a steelhead swimming upstream in the fall.’
The story, with a time frame that ranges from WW2 to the present, is engaging, and endearing, and unfolds smoothly and seamlessly. Nothing seems contrived or doesn’t ring true. The care taken to show, for example, a ewe experiences giving birth, and how children—responsible, clever, compassionate children—know what to do and how to do it, and when to seek help—is an eye opener for characters and readers alike.
The many sources of possible tension include the rural/urban divide, discord between mother and son—the mother’s boyfriend is on his way to becoming David’s stepfather, and is motivated by greed, secrecy, and intolerance—here, especially, Warren makes good use of irony so that readers sometimes know what the characters may not—. Other sources of conflict involve generational friction, family connections and disconnections, and the thankfully unrealized potential for cruel acts against some kinds of people.
Warren has a marvellous way with words, particularly with imagery and similes. Here are a few that I particularly liked:

The school principal, who has a fondness for Brylcreem: “[his] office had fluorescent lights in the ceiling that bounced off the goop in his hair, making his head shinier than ever. It drew my eyes like a porch light draws a moth.”

And then there is, “He could not have been more surprised if he’d just seen the Loch Ness monster appear in the chicken coop.’

Or, when Lizzie receives bad news, David watches, saying, “It was as if all of the brightness had leaked out of her heart and evaporated.”

And then there’s the dog, Expo: “Expo, big suck that he was, drank in the attention like it was a pail of freshly drawn well water on a hot day.”

Finally, when she is on the farm visiting Harry, her grandfather, Lizzie sees the ewes ready to give birth, ‘their bellies fat with baby lambs.’

In terms of dramatic tension, readers may find themselves teetering on the edge of “Oh No!” but thankfully they are never tipped over into full-blown disaster.
So enjoy the emotional push/pull as you read, knowing that while you may become fearful it’s never too fearful, and you can place your bets on everything turning out okay, if not perfect—what is? You can walk away with some coin jingling in your pockets knowing that the characters have grown and changed and that you have too.

As a writer myself, I took particular interest in how the book is crafted. Warren has carefully, meticulously developed a plot that is complex, quirky, and surprising—its plot twists are clever, imaginative, and credible. The choice of point of view is interesting—Lizzie is in first, David in third, and as the story unfolds it’s easy to see it as the right choice.

Readers’ eyes and hearts are opened in How To Be A Goldfish, and we are well-entertained in the process. Whether you’re 11 or 63 or even going on 70, you will be moved by this fine book.

How To Be A Goldfish is a true pleasure to read. I promise!

(And the central metaphor? How to be a Goldfish? You’ll get it. )

[Patricia Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about the first middle grade book I've read in over 45 years? Since Nancy Drew I believe.

I've seen BookTubers talk about reading middle grade books and was puzzled. Why would they read a middle grade book? I know a lot of adults read YA, but middle grade?

I won this book from the author who was gracious enough to personalize a note inside. As I read this book I was in awe. I couldn't put it down. It's better than some adult books I've read.

This is the story told in dual POV - a young boy and a young girl. A story about two families who never knew each other existed and by chance and a little investigating, became one. The story takes place in 1981 when people were protesting gay rights. But the heart of the story takes place in the 40's. I don't want to give anything away.

It also takes place in Toronto, where I was born and raised. That made me connect with the story even more. The story was eye-opening and heartwarming, and a little scary at times. It's worth the read.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed How to be a Goldfish! Set in the 1980s and told through alternating POVs, Lizzie and David learn about their families, both currently and in the past. Lizzie is tasked with a history project that has her exploring her family and David is struggling to deal with being bullied and with his mom's current boyfriend. Many historical social issues are woven into the story, but yet the book remains sweet and wholesome.

How to be a Goldfish is a 2024 MYRCA Northern Lights nominee. I feel that the novel is appropriate for younger readers as well though and I am slightly concerned it was only flagged for the older list due to a potentially controversial/divisive part of the storyline. I personally feel comfortable with younger readers reading this content and I would recommend the novel for grades 5-8.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Lizzie is assigned a genealogy project at school, she wishes she knew how to uncover the mysterious gaps in her family tree. Meanwhile, far away in the city, David wishes he could free his single mom from her horrible fiancé. Neither expects to become allies over who owns an idyllic farm and how to unearth long-buried family secrets. Set in the 80s, this family mystery story tackles historical biases against single mothers and same-sex relationships with heart and grace. Jane Baird Warren delivers a suspenseful read with vibrant characters and themes of acceptance, kindness and courage.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story narrated by Lizzie and David brings together a family that never knew each other. When David's grandfather dies and leaves his mom and him a farm, they never dreamed they would find it occupied. David's mother however has a boyfriend who plans on evicting the present owner Harry. Soon family ties are revealed along with a heroic war story, and a secret love between Harry and Davids Grandfather. Readers will love this heartwarming story of bullying, family, friendship, love and acceptance.

[Read by Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Single child to a single parent who has no siblings, Lizzie wishes for a big family. David is grieving the loss of his beloved grandfather. Somewhere between these two middle school students lies a mystery that will unveil many lessons about family, acceptance, and Canada's intolerant history. Once you hit the 75% mark the story becomes very predictable, but no less heart-warming. If all YA literature was like this, the world would be a nicer place.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may have been one of the most interesting reads I've had in a while, the pacing was great and there was so much good information throughout. Lizzie and David are both cool protagonists, and although the swap between first and third person throughout was a little jarring at first it wasn't too bad after a while. The reveals were also at a great level, nothing felt out of place or like it was coming out left field, but still felt like enough of a twist. A really interesting middle grade!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher for my Little Free Library. As I usually do, with contributed books, I read it before placing it in the LFL, not knowing exacting what to expect from a middle school offering. This is a delightful book. I think it is true-to-character for both of the main teenagers, Lizzie and David. There are wonderful tales that involve historical information. The author also covers some very real emotions and experiences of this age group.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

The story was engaging and the characters interesting. Middle grade historical fiction is not something I tend to read, so maybe that's affecting my opinion. I just found there to be a LOT of topics discussed; it was a little too much for me.
When I closed the book at the end, I didn't think "Wow, that was great!" and that is the basis for my rating.

[Gwen Goodkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “How to Be a Goldfish,” Jane Warren deftly balances the unraveling of family secrets while also forging a new, modern family which becomes the beating heart of this book. The story is well-paced, keeping readers curious while giving them just the right number of clues to pull them along. The details of farm life feel natural and will surely be enlightening to many middle grade readers.

[Lori Emilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great historical fiction story! I loved the human rights stories woven throughout. Super character development, and relatable issues will make this a nice addition to middle grade book clubs or for kids’ independent reading. Love the cover too!

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book - a great story with bits of history woven in seamlessly, a wonderful cast of characters and a fantastic portrait of why kids should be proud of who they are and where they come from. And, always amazing to see such a fantastic Canadian debut!

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

-read for school-

It was fine, honestly better than I expected.

[Aquamarine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chockfull of interesting & informative Canadiana history! Impressed by how much was put in in such an entertaining, compelling plot. Finally - a real story that one can get lost in.

[Nicole Zelenine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really nice book and I am happy I read it!

[A B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. This is a book that could be judged by its cover. 🌈