Children's Books and Family History: The Fourteenth Goldfish

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to see their grandparents as people rather than simply Grandma and Grandpa. It can be difficult for children to imagine that their grandparents were once their age. Yet understanding their stories can help children feel more connected to their family and the generations that came before them.

This is one of the reasons I chose to spotlight The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm, a middle-grade novel that balances humor and heart while inviting children to consider what their grandparents might have been like as teenagers.

The story follows Ellie, whose life is turned upside down when a teenage boy appears at her door claiming to be her grandfather. After discovering a way to reverse aging, Ellie's grandfather suddenly finds himself young again. As the two embark on a series of adventures, Ellie begins to see her grandfather in a completely new light. No longer just Grandpa, he becomes a curious, determined, and sometimes impulsive young person with dreams, passions, and experiences of his own.

In many ways, family history invites us to do the same. It encourages us to look beyond the titles of Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, or Uncle and discover the stories, experiences, and dreams that shaped the people we know and love today.

None of my grandparents are still here for me to ask what their teenage years were like. I don't know if they went to the movies with friends or stopped for chocolate shakes at the local hangout. When I think of my Grandma, I picture her always dressed nicely with her hair and makeup done. I loved getting ready in the morning too, and I like to think that might have been something we had in common.

If my Grandma and I had been the same age, perhaps we would have spent time getting ready together, laughing as we did our hair and makeup. Maybe we would have gone to the local ice cream parlor and blushed when a cute boy walked through the door.

Curious about what life was like when my Grandma was fifteen, I turned to the FamilySearch "All About Me" activity. The year was 1950. A movie ticket cost just fifty-five cents, and the most popular movie was Cinderella. Maybe we would have listened to "The Tennessee Waltz" by Patti Page on the radio. Perhaps we would have celebrated the New York Yankees winning the World Series. After all, the Dodgers (our California team) had not yet moved to Los Angeles.

It is fun to imagine the world she knew and to see how much has changed. But it also reminds me that, despite the years between us, we may have had more in common than I realized. One thing I do know: we would have gotten along just fine. Even now, I think of her every time I get my nails done.

One of the greatest gifts family history gives us is the opportunity to see our loved ones as they once were. Before they were parents and grandparents, they were children, teenagers, dreamers, and adventurers.

The following activity encourages children to step into their grandparent's world and imagine what life might have been like if they could spend a day together at the same age.

ACTIVITY: 

In The Fourteenth Goldfish, Ellie gets the opportunity to see her grandfather as a teenager. This activity invites children to do the same.

Begin by choosing a grandparent. If possible, interview them about what life was like when they were your age. Ask about their hobbies, favorite foods, music, school experiences, friends, and what they liked to do for fun. If your grandparent is no longer living, use family stories, photographs, or records to learn more about their teenage years.

Next, complete the two activities below. In the first, imagine your grandparent has traveled to the present day and is your age. In the second, imagine you have traveled back in time to spend a day with your grandparent when they were a teenager. Use the free handout below to plan your two days. 

As you compare the two days, pay attention to the similarities and differences between your lives. What has changed? What has stayed the same? What qualities, interests, or experiences might you have in common?

Day One: Grandpa Comes to Visit:

Imagine your grandparent suddenly arrives at your house, but they are your age. What would you do together?

Create a detailed plan for your day together. Don't just list activities—include the details!

For example:

• If you go to the movies, what movie will you see? How much do the tickets cost?
• Will you buy popcorn and a drink? How much will you spend?
• If you go out to eat, where will you go? What will you order?
• What games, hobbies, or activities will you do together?
• What music will you listen to?
• What would you want to teach your grandparent about life today?

The more details you include, the easier it will be to imagine your day together.

Day Two: You Travel Back in Time

Now imagine you travel back in time to spend a day with your grandparent when they were your age.

Use family stories, photographs, interviews, or the FamilySearch "All About Me" activity to learn about what life was like during that time period.

As you plan your day, include details:

• What year is it?
• How much does a movie ticket cost?
• What songs are popular?
• What foods are available?
• What technology exists—and what doesn't?
• What would your grandparent do for fun?
• What would surprise you most about their world?

Create a detailed itinerary for your day and compare it to the day you planned in the present.

to download/print the activity simply click here or on the images below