Fish Out of Water

Fish, short for Fishel, wants to find activities that he enjoys. These are not football, water polo or watching sports on TV, activities that his stepfather, his grandparents and his friends think are more for boys. Fish wants to dance, he wants to take Zumba lessons even if the only ones he can find are with senior citizens, and he want to learn to knit. His Bubby knits socks for her family and friends, and they make Fish feel loved and secure. He has asked her to teach him to knit, but she says knitting isn’t for boys. When a knitting class starts at school, he sees it as a sign. He is looking for a bar mitzvah project that has a positive benefit in his community. If he can’t find something that fills a passion for him, he will help his friend collect hockey equipment for kids that don’t have any equipment. He doesn’t even like hockey, but he is running out of time and options.

Fish Out of Water is an excellent story about gender roles and growing up. Fish doesn’t understand why some activities are for girls and others are for boys. He has two hands and, therefore, should be able to knit. He overcomes adversity with his friends and has some helpful advice from his knitting teacher and his rabbi who encourage him to follow his passion.

The plot of Fish Out of Water is fast-paced, and the ending is both satisfying and heartwarming. The characters are believable. The story is told in first person from Fish’s point of view. The novel has 14 chapters plus an epilogue which happens six months later. Fish Out of Water would be an excellent read-aloud choice, and its contents would provide many opportunities for discussion about the topic of gender roles.