Tiger lives in an unidentified country, where his western aid-worker parents help the local people cope with drought, devastating rainfall, poverty, famine, and warfare. When the escalating fighting nears their home, the family heads for the border on foot, led by a native guide. Their journey is complicated by a passenger; a fish Tiger found in a mud puddle after a recent storm. Tiger knows Fish will die when the water dries up, and he convinces his parents to let him cart it along in a cooking pot. As they struggle with harsh climate, dwindling food supplies, and a harrowing run-in with a trio of armed men, Fish’s safety is never far from Tiger’s thoughts. Although this contemporary tale succeeds at story level, the skillful use of symbolism and metaphor transforms it into a strong literary novel. Fish’s continued existence is clearly linked to the well-being of Tiger and his family. Tiger’s selfless behavior, which echoes that of his parents and the Guide, ultimately embodies a theme of hope for humanity. (Ages 10–13)

A compelling novel that touches upon the hardships that refugees face and their resilience in the most dire of situations, “celebrat[ing] the human spirit and inherent kindness” (School Library Journal).
 
    My story starts the day that my parents told me we must leave our adopted home forever. Because of the soldiers and the drought we barely had enough to eat and we could no longer stay to help the people in our village.
   The journey would be hard—to cross the mountains and get to the safety of the border and the people there who could help us. But right before we were leaving, I saw a fish in a small brown puddle and I knew I had to take it with me. Yet when I put the fish in the pot, I never realized what we would have to face. It never occurred to me to leave Fish behind.
    A subtle and sophisticated exploration of life, the strength of humanity, and survival in an unforgiving world, Fish is a story that will teach those who doubt that, when hope is almost extinguished, miracles can happen.

ALA Notable Children's Book Choice
Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Winner of the Fidler Award

[STAR] “Matthews allows just enough detail—and heart—to make miracles feel possible.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
 
“An amazing book.”—The Washington Post
 
“Exciting and filled with crises and adventure… it is a story that celebrates the human spirit and inherent kindness.”—School Library Journal
 
“Matthews is a compelling new voice.”—VOYA