• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Twelve-year-old Fishel (Fish) Rosner doesn’t like regular “boy” things.

He hates sports and would prefer to read or do crafts instead of climbing trees or riding dirt bikes with his friends. He also loves to dance. But all his interests are considered “girly.” Fish doesn’t get why that’s a bad thing. He’s just interested in different things than other boys. When he asks his Bubby to teach him to knit, she tells him to go play outside. When he begs his mom to take him to Zumba, she enrolls him in water polo instead. Why does everyone else get to decide what Fish should or shouldn't do?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Available in French as Les hauts et les bas de Fish.

Joanne Levy is the author of the award-winning Sorry For Your Loss, a book set in a funeral home inspired by the one her dad manages. Her other books include The Sun Will Come Out, Fish Out of Water, and Bird Brain. She can usually be found at her computer, either creating spreadsheets (sometimes just for fun) or channeling her younger self into books. Joanne lives in rural Ontario, Canada, with her husband and several pets, one of whom vomited during the writing of this bio.

Joanne Levy's profile page

• Winner, Sydney Taylor Shmooze - Sydney Taylor Mock Award
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Council for Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• Nominated, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards - Diamond Willow

“Uplifting, gentle…Exudes inter-generational warmth, family love, and friendship.”

Association of Jewish Libraries

“Though brief, this text masterfully connects the toxic masculinity to its roots in deep misogyny, making Fish a hero people of all genders can stand up and cheer for. All readers will appreciate this book’s nuanced messaging around gender roles and trusting yourself.”

Kirkus Reviews

“High­ly rec­om­mend­ed...Fishel’s sto­ry zips along and the vocab­u­lary and length make it acces­si­ble even for reluc­tant read­ers…Read­ers will sup­port [Fish] through­out his strug­gle to pur­sue his own inter­ests and rise beyond labeling.”

Jew­ish Book Coun­cil (JBC)

“An excellent story about gender roles and growing up…Fast-paced, and the ending is both satisfying and heartwarming…An excellent read-aloud choice, and its contents would provide many opportunities for discussion. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“These quality, relatable novels are ideal for students at the middle school level who benefit from ultra-readable formats.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)