Loved that this title had a girl as the main character in a science fiction novel that wasn't weird or out-casted socially. Ellie seems to be like any other preteen who misses her friends and is trying to figure out middle school when she discovers a little mystery in front of her. Would recommend to middle-grade readers who love science or realistic fiction.

What a story! It's a truly origin; twist on the Freaky Friday meme, offering the newly young/ageless grandpa a semi-rational explanation. The extent to which a thirteen-year-old-appearing teen displays a lifetime of father/daughter tension offers endless humor in the midst of some very serious themes. 
Truly terrific and likely to be a classic.

Ellie’s life takes an unexpected twist when a thirteen-year-old boy enters her life -- and it’s her 76-year-old grandfather. From the spiciness of moo goo gai pan to the textbook’s omissions of his life’s work, “Melvin” (the alias given to him by Ellie’s mom) is quite opinionated. Although he seems to have cracked the secret of the Fountain of Youth -- and, hey, the proof is standing in front of them -- Melvin was kicked out of his laboratory for trespassing, and now must pal around with Ellie at middle school. While Melvin rallies against those who underestimate his genius, Ellie is quietly distracted by the more typical changes that middle school brings, including a rotational peer group that no longer includes her best friend, Brianna. 
	Melvin’s research is back at the lab, and he and Ellie must devise a way to break in undetected and sneak back out again. There are challenges and mistakes at every turn -- but isn’t overcoming setbacks the usual trajectory of a scientist? 
	Cute and fairly fast-paced, with a message that scientists keep on persevering, even in the face of adversary, toward the possible.

This book definitely improved as it moved along. At first it seemed like a nice middle school story about a 12-year-old girl who discovers her estranged grandfather has come to live with them. Now you can imagine what that is like for a girl who has enough challenges in middle school. Add to that her grandfather's age. He's the same age as she is. He's a scientist who has figured out how to reverse his age. Grandpa Melvin is grouchy, but as his relationship with his granddaughter grows, they find they share the same passion for science. and Ellie is introduced to great scientists as well as learning to take responsibility for what you have created.

My kids and I all read this book and just loved the story.  I resonated with the mom who kept replacing her kids' goldfish each time it died.

This is one of my favorite books. This story of Ellie and her grandfather who shows up on her doorstep as a 14 year old boy having created a fountain of youth-type potion. This story asks a lot of tough questions that are reminiscent of Tuck Everlasting: Would you want to be young forever if you could? I also loved all the science facts that are woven into the story. This book would make a great read aloud for upper elementary and middle schooler.

Jennifer Holm captures slices of life in a lyrical way, with characters both real and relatable. Definitely adding to our middle school library.

One of my favorite middle grade books! It's been awhile since I've read this book, but I am constantly recommending it to my upper elementary students looking for books with an "interesting twist." The concept behind the story of a girl befriending her grandpa, who has become a "teen" again, is unique among children's fiction.

I'm sorry it has taken so long to review this title. I absolutely loved it and appreciate being able to have the opportunity to read it. Thank you.

Students enjoy the humor in this book. It was well received as a March Book Madness.

Well-done and creative!  I thought it was funny, relatable for kids and easy to understand.  Great plot that keeps you engaged.  I have recommended it to several students and will continue to do so!

Entertaining middle grade read that is a hit with students!

LOVE THIS BOOK - HAS A LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
IF YOU LOVED CHASING VERMEER BY BLUE BALLIET THAN YOU SHOULD READ THE 14TH GOLDFISH.  HOLM DOES FOR SCIENCE WHAT BALLIET DID FOR ART.

This is a great read-aloud for the classroom.  I'm excited to read this book to my new students when school starts up in the fall.

Light, funny and entertaining children's fiction with some scientific information weaved into the story line. Nice book

Ellie and her grandpa were a fun duo because it seemed they would be unlikely friends. Turns out grandpa was just what Ellie needed to find her own path. 

This was a warm, engaging book with some great historical references to science sprinkled in. I loved the characters, plot, and how Ellie found her love of science. I also liked how it explored the idea of changes in friendship.

It didn't hurt that Melvin reminded me a bit of my grandpa.... 

It was short for an adult, but I can imagine it's perfect for its target audience (grades 3-7 )

This is an excellent book for upper elementary readers, with many interesting and fun connections to science and scientists. It has just the right blend of fantasy and realism to make it enjoyable and believable; the characters are well-developed, and the ultimate conclusion fits the story well.

My grade 4/5 students LOVED it, which is about the best recommendation I can give.