Goliath Catfish

by Scott Gill

Albert McClune is bigger than most kids in his neighborhood. He dreams to be his family’s hero, to turn their fortunes and return the happiness lost with his brother Pete. But Albert is crippled by fear and shame. Fleeing home, he meets Elijah Amos Fortune Jones, an odd boy who takes him on a treasure hunt deep into the city sewers and uncharted caves. They face a voodoo priest, swim in rat-infested tunnels, and engage in a deadly race for the lost ransom of Machine Gun Kelly.

Albert is forced to be courageous or lose everything he loves as he faces the guilt that has cut him down to size.

226 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2012

About the author

After serving as a minister for nearly 15 years, Scott Thomas Gill left the “cloth” to pursue a different calling: teaching and telling stories. Now, as a middle school teacher and coach, he helps teens read, instructs writing, and inspires athletes from the sidelines. Outside education, Scott is an avid writer, having been published in The EFCA Today, Dallas Child, Teachers of Vision and compilations such as Chicken Soup for the Father and Son’s Soul, Democrat’s Soul and The Ultimate Teacher. He was voted J.W. Williams Middle School’s Most Inspirational Teacher 2009, 2010, and 2011, and Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010.
He’s earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from The University of Memphis, and a Masters degree in theology from the Dallas Theological Seminary. He also studied writing for children and teenagers under the tutelage of H.M. Hoover and Kevin McColley through The Institute of Children’s Literature. Scott is a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Scott Gill lives in Rockwall, Texas with his wife, Angie and their four children.

Reviews

[Frank Nappi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toward the end of Goliath Catfish, Albert, one of the young protagonists of this adventure tale notes that he has "become accustomed to bad things happening when good things arrived." This line encapsulates the dangerous journey of Albert and Elijah, two unlikely friends as they hunt for treasure. Author Scott T. Gill develops characters that are multi-dimensional and engaging. His plot is fast-paced and a little bit gruesome!!! - enter the rats and the skeletons! While this tale is written for a younger audience, Gill's prose is engaging and his subject matter appeals to an older audience. His plot is full of both biblical and literary allusions that make the story meaningful for readers of all ages. Goliath Catfish is a story about the power of friendship and individual interpretations of heroism. It's a book worth reading.

[Leah Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE SO READ IT
First of all, when I first received this book from a friend to borrow, I had no idea what it was about. She wouldn't tell me.
Then I read the back of the book, and I was sold.
IT'S A TOM SAWYER ADVENTURE ABOUT A BIG BOY WHO'S AN IRISH IMMIGRANT?!?! LET'S JUST START READING THAT NOW.

Alright, let's review this bad boy.

Things I LOVED:
1.The setting (Memphis 1940)
2.The life lessons that are oh-so-important in our culture today (Respecting others, letting bad situations release, etc.)
3.The characters were AMAZING. They had CHARACTER.
And, just, Albert....
http://www.readsleeprepeat.org/wp-con...
4. The ending was ON POINTE

Things I didn't exactly enjoy:
1. There was some strong language in this book, but I didn't mind it too much because I knew that the writer used it to explain how racist people were, even in the old 40's when you would expect everyone to be helping each other during the war.
2. Just too many scenes where they were in the water that I couldn't keep up with exactly where they were. If that makes sense.
3. The edition I read was badly edited and needed some better grammar. Yes, I know this was written by an English teacher.

That's all I have to say, so if this sounds interesting, check it out!
Abundant reading,
Leah

[Brad Lofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was quite an adventure. The characters are intriguing and captivating. Being familiar with Memphis certainly helped me connect to the story but the imagery made me feel like I was there. The pace of the story is quick and I was eager to turn the next page. I found this to be a very exciting story that managed to accurately capture the emotions of a wounded child as well as the thick racial tension and divide of the pre-WWII South. The journey and "redemption" of Albert McClune and his adventure with Elijah Amos Fortune Jones is a story worth reading. It is effortless and fun. I really enjoyed this book and actually think it would make a really cool movie. Well done Scott. I can't wait for the next one!i

[Philip Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for boys, ages 11 or 12 and up! The action & excitement is fairly nonstop in this historical novel, set in Memphis in the 1940s, as two boys (one white, one black; both are interesting & eccentric characters) go on a search for lost treasure. The adventure takes them into a watery underworld world of caves and a network of sewers under the city; the journey has definite mythical undertones. It's an excellent coming-of-age story, with good values for tween and teen readers, including themes of standing up to bullying, combatting racism, and developing self-respect.

Highly recommended.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Gill crafts an amazing story, bringing the reader to the painful reality of poverty, through the bowels of Memphis, and into a friendship tested by fire. Although it takes place in darkness, the light Albert and Elijah bring to the page goes far beyond the lamplight they carry.

I was intrigued by the prologue, fascinated by the story, and absolutely satisfied with the ending. What more can a reader hope for?

Scott Gill is now on my list of "must-read authors"!

[Susan Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert is unhappy but, when he meets Elijah they start a treasure hunting adventure which will take the boys to unknown places. Their friendship grows as they make discoveries, face scary dangers and combat real foes.

This is a really good adventure story, but where does the Catfish come in? You'll have to read it to find out!

[Scott Gill]

It's hard to honestly talk about your own book... Just went on sale at Amazon and other outlets to come. Check it out and let me know what you think.

[Reeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful and phenomenal, had me in tears! I LOVE IT!!!! <3 So inspirational, thanks Scott Thomas for this great masterpiece. I don't think in my 69 years of age I have ever related more to a book than this one. Me and my brother used to have problems as well, but after reading this we solved 'em after going on a great terrific treasure hunt! Hoorayyyy! whipdedoo!
-Sincerely, Albert <3

[Becky Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! This is a tale of danger and mystery filled with nail biting moments of worry and page turning anxiety, but also this is a story of redemption through the power of friendship. Love, as they say, is a powerful thing. The love between comrades can forever change us, and adventures with friends are some of the best we'll ever have. Check it out and you won't be disappointed. You might even feel a little changed yourself.