Goldfish Boy

Matthew has OCD.  He stopped going to school weeks ago, and he washes his hands until they are cracked and bleeding.  It's the germs.  They're everywhere carrying the potential for disease and death.

Because he never leaves the house, Matthew watches his neighbors from his window.  He knows their comings and goings better than anyone which makes him the perfect person to solve the crime when a kidnapping happens next door.

Mr. Charles's grandchildren are staying with him while their mother is out of town.  One minute, the little boy, Teddy, is playing outside, and the next he's gone.

Who could've done it?  Could it have been Mr. Charles who isn't too happy to have little kids messing up his life?  What about Old Nina, the recluse who's been acting strange lately?  What about Jake, Matthew's former friend, and current neighborhood bully?  Of course, there is also Teddy's older sister who isn't exactly a sweetheart.  Somebody took Teddy and Matthew is going to figure out who.

Lisa Thompson's debut novel is a solid middle school retelling of Rear Window, one of my favorite movies.  Fans of the movie will see plenty of nods to little plot elements, but a knowledge of the movie isn't necessary to enjoy the story.  This is also a great book to let readers into the mind and world of someone who suffers from OCD.  Highly recommended!