Brief Summary of School Reading List Books - Ievgen Sykalo 2026

My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O’Hara

My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish by Mo O'Hara is a hilarious and wacky story about a young boy named Tom and his not-so-ordinary goldfish, Frankie.

The Evil Experiment:

Tom's older brother, Edwin, aspires to be an evil scientist. His first experiment involves Frankie, the seemingly ordinary goldfish Tom wins at a fair. Edwin dunks Frankie in a vat of green, bubbling gunge, intending to create a monstrous fish.

The Unexpected Resurrection:

Tom, horrified by his brother's actions, desperately tries to save Frankie. In a moment of inspiration, he uses a battery to zap the lifeless fish. Much to his surprise, Frankie springs back to life, but with a few unusual changes.

A Big Fat Zombie Goldfish:

Frankie is no longer a typical goldfish. He's grown significantly in size, become a bit sluggish, and possesses a rather vacant stare. However, the most surprising change is his newfound hypnotic powers! He can make anyone who looks into his eyes do his bidding.

Tom's New Challenge:

With a zombie goldfish on his hands (or rather, in his bowl), Tom's life takes a turn for the unusual. He must keep Frankie's zombified nature and hypnotic powers a secret, especially from Edwin, who would likely use Frankie for his own nefarious purposes.

Pranks with Hypnotic Powers:

Tom uses Frankie's hypnosis to his advantage. He discreetly makes his annoying classmate, Sue Ellen, sing opera in the middle of class, and even hypnotizes the school bully into becoming terrified of butterflies. These pranks add a layer of humor and excitement to the story.

The Dreaded Science Fair:

The plot thickens when Edwin announces his participation in the school science fair. Tom fears that Edwin will once again try to experiment on Frankie. He hatches a plan to ensure Frankie's safety and teach Edwin a lesson about the importance of responsible pet ownership.

A Fishy Showdown:

On the day of the science fair, Edwin reveals his "mutant goldfish" project. Tom, in a moment of panic, uses Frankie's hypnosis to make all the other students faint, causing a chaotic scene. The science fair is a disaster, and Edwin's evil plans are foiled.

Finding a Balance:

Tom realizes he can't keep relying on Frankie's hypnosis to solve his problems. He learns the importance of honesty and responsibility, especially when caring for a unique pet like Frankie.

A Zany Ending:

The story ends with a lighthearted twist. Tom decides to enter Frankie (disguised in a more "normal" goldfish bowl) into the school pet competition. The judges, impressed by Frankie's hypnotically induced obedience tricks, declare him the winner! The book concludes with Tom and Frankie, an unlikely pair, ready for their next wacky adventure.