SuitabookThe Goldfish Boy
Lisa Thompson
- Reading
- Consider reading alongside the child, pausing after the more distressing memories or suspenseful scenes. Discuss Matthew’s feelings and choices without treating his OCD as a character flaw, and leave space to talk about the ending.
- Themes
- Living with OCD: Matthew’s OCD involves severe fears of germs and sickness and keeps him largely inside his bedroom. The story gives readers insight into how intrusive fears and coping behaviours can restrict everyday life, while showing Matthew as observant and capable.
- Courage and connection: Matthew becomes involved in helping with the missing-toddler investigation and learns to accept connection with others. The story presents friendship, family and taking action as important ways of feeling less alone and moving beyond fear.
- Secrets and seeing clearly: Matthew watches neighbours from his window, keeps notes and becomes a significant witness after a toddler disappears; residents have secrets. The mystery invites questions about what observation can reveal, what it can miss, and how quickly people may be judged from limited information.
- Worth knowing
- The book includes a missing toddler, memories of a baby brother’s death, guilt and trauma, an upsetting water incident, mistreatment of a cat, an accidental bleach burn, verbal bullying and very mild swearing.