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The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas

by David Almond

A coming-of-age tale at the carnival

Regular price $10.91 USD
Regular price $18.19 USD Sale price $10.91 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Kirkus Reviews starred review

    Starred review praising the novel as “buoyant” and “delightfully Almond-ine.”

AlbakiReads Editorial

A coming-of-age tale at the carnival

Stanley Potts leaves home after his guardian, Uncle Ernie, becomes consumed by fish, and finds a place among the people of a carnival. There he encounters Pancho Pirelli, known for swimming with piranhas, bringing Stan face to face with a question of courage and choice. Fish, family, fate, and the idea of choosing one’s own path shape the premise. The book’s circus setting and black-and-white illustrations by Oliver Jeffers give its story a visual frame, while the source describes David Almond’s writing as marked by wordplay and whimsy.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 9–12 interested in coming-of-age stories
  • Readers who enjoy carnival settings and eccentric characters
  • Young readers drawn to stories about family, courage, and making choices

Themes

Coming of ageFamilyCourage and choiceCarnival and performanceFish

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"A buoyant, delightfully Almond-ine coming-of-age novel about fish, fate, and family; moonlight, madness, and myth; runts, "Rackanruwin" and, finally, redemption." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

When Stanley Potts's guardian, Uncle Ernie, develops an unhealthy obsession with fish, Stan has no choice but to strike out on his own. Far from the life he knows, he's welcomed by a carnival of eccentric characters, including the legendary Pancho Pirelli, the man who swims with piranhas. Will Stan, too, be bold enough to dive into the churning waters and choose his destiny? Full of wry wordplay and visual whimsy, David Almond's quirky tale is richly matched by Oliver Jeffers's black-and-white illustrations.
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