The Goldfish Boy is Lisa Thompson’s middle-grade mystery about thirteen-year-old Matthew Corbin, a boy with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder who rarely leaves home. When a young child staying next door disappears, Matthew’s observations of the people on his close may help uncover what happened. The mystery is shaped by Matthew’s isolation and point of view, rather than treating his OCD as a detective’s trick.
What is The Goldfish Boy about?
Matthew Corbin spends much of his time in his bedroom, watching the residents of his close through the window and keeping notes. After a young child who is staying next door goes missing, Matthew is among the last people to have seen him. His observations put him close to the search, even as his own isolation shapes how he experiences the investigation.
The disappearance supplies the book’s mystery, but Matthew’s perspective is central to the story. Scholastic’s UK description frames the novel around friendship, loneliness, fear and hope; those are the publisher’s descriptions of its themes.
Is The Goldfish Boy about OCD?
Yes. Matthew is described as having severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, and his condition is part of the story’s central character portrait. The plot also follows the disappearance investigation, with Matthew’s habits of watching and recording the close bringing him into it.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Scholastic’s rights announcement says the story includes the events behind Matthew’s OCD and presents life with mental illness in an accessible, life-affirming way. That is publisher framing, not a clinical assessment of the book’s portrayal. A Publishers Weekly review praised the suspense but questioned aspects of the depiction of Matthew’s disorder and described the resolution as too easy. That is one reviewer’s view, not a consensus or clinical evaluation.
Who wrote The Goldfish Boy?
Lisa Thompson wrote the novel. Scholastic identified it as her debut. In the publisher’s 2016 rights announcement, Scholastic UK editor Lauren Fortune called it “that rarest of books: a page-turning, utterly compulsive mystery with outstanding characters and true heart.” Thompson said she was thrilled to join Scholastic and felt it was “the perfect home for The Goldfish Boy.”
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What age is The Goldfish Boy for?
Age guidance varies by source and edition, so there is no single universal cutoff. Scholastic Canada lists ages 8–12, BookTrust gives a reading age of 9+, and a UK bookseller listing for the paperback marks it suitable for ages 11–12. These labels describe different catalogues and should be treated as guidance rather than a rule for every reader.
BookTrust also reports that the novel was a Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal, Branford Boase Award and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which editions are listed?
| Market and listing | Format and ISBN | Pages | Age or reading guidance | Availability note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom, Scholastic UK paperback | Paperback, ISBN 9781407170992 | 400 | Suitable for ages 11–12; Accelerated Reader book level 5.0 (10.0 points) | Scholastic UK lists a publication date of January 5, 2017. |
| Canada, Scholastic Canada listing | Paperback and ebook, ISBN 9781338053920 | 320 | Ages 8–12 | The catalogue currently says “Out of stock indefinitely.” |
The publication date, page count, reading-level field and age guidance above belong to the specific listings; they may not apply to other editions. Scholastic announced in 2016 that the book would publish in the UK, US and Canada in early 2017.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What kind of mystery is it?
Publishers Weekly’s December 12, 2016 review describes the novel as a suspenseful, fast-moving whodunit, noting its short chapters and cliffhanger endings. That review also raises reservations about the OCD portrayal and the ending. Together, these points offer a useful sense of the book’s appeal and a critical caveat, without establishing a general critical consensus.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
