NZ Intermediate School Librarians discussion

The Goldfish Boy arrived as part of Scholastic's August Standing Order and the great cover (different to the one shown here) was the thing that made me pick it as the first one I'd like to read. I really enjoyed this story of Matthew who suffers from OCD - he is terrified of germs and will do anything he can to stay in the safety of his house. He occupies himself by watching the goings on of his neighbours in his cul-de-sac. Things get complicated though when one of his neighbour's grandchildren come to stay and one of them goes missing. Matthew is the last person to see Teddy and knows he can solve the mystery, but how can he if he can't leave his house? A good mystery, with an interesting insight into OCD, that had me guessing to the end. Would make a good read aloud, particularly for a year 7 class.

I enjoyed it too Sharon - especially the second half where the pace picked up a bit. A good one for both boys and girls I reckon.

Hi Jane, have you read Sticks and Stones yet? I'm about a third of the way in and am not enjoying it at all but lots of good reviews on Goodreads. Should I persevere?

Ha! I abandoned Sticks and Stones so I can't tell you if it gets any better! From this latest batch of NZSO books, my possible favourite is "Being Miss Nobody" which I'm half way through now. So far so good :-) I've also read 'Falling Towers" recently but it didn't really grab me. I've also read "48 Hours" which is one that I will be able to sell quite convincingly to our action fans - especially girls.