The Goldfish Boy

Matthew Corbin spends his days observing his neighbors through his bedroom window, taking detailed notes about their daily routines. His severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and fear of germs keep him confined inside, where he has become an expert at watching the happenings on his street. When a toddler disappears from the neighborhood, Matthew realizes his careful observations may hold clues to solving the mystery. His unique perspective and detailed notes make him an unexpected participant in the search, forcing him to confront both the disappearance and his own isolation. The investigation leads Matthew to interact with neighbors he previously only watched from afar, including the girl next door and a teenager dealing with his own struggles. He must balance his compulsions with his growing desire to help find the missing child. The story explores themes of mental health, grief, and healing while demonstrating how unexpected connections can emerge in times of crisis. Through Matthew's journey, the narrative examines the balance between safety and isolation, and the courage required to face one's fears.

Readers describe The Goldfish Boy as a moving mystery that handles OCD and mental health with care and accuracy. The story resonates with both children who have anxiety and those who want to understand it better. Liked: - Authentic portrayal of a child with OCD - Balance of serious themes with lighter moments - Well-crafted mystery that keeps readers guessing - Complex family dynamics and character development "The OCD representation felt real without being overwhelming" - Goodreads reviewer Disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle - A few readers wanted more resolution with secondary characters - Younger readers sometimes struggled with the mental health themes "The mystery takes a backseat to the OCD storylines" - Amazon review Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 (parents), 4/5 (kids)

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🌟 Author Lisa Thompson worked as a radio broadcast assistant at the BBC for over 16 years before becoming a full-time writer 📚 The main character's OCD symptoms were inspired by Thompson's own experiences with anxiety and obsessive thoughts 🏠 The book's neighborhood setting was based on the author's childhood home in Essex, England, where she could see into her neighbors' gardens 🎯 The mystery element of the story was influenced by Thompson's love of Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window," which also features a protagonist who observes neighbors from their window 🌍 The book has been translated into 12 languages and has received multiple awards, including the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Leeds Book Award