The subject matter of Fish Out of Water is an important one to explore and relatable to many kids. It reiterates the importance of acceptance and instead of trying to change people, we should celebrate differences. This book reminded me of the picture book Oliver Button is a Sissy in that it teaches kids that there shouldn’t be only things that are designated for boys or girls even though society often likes to put us in a box especially according to gender. It shows how we can and should defy stereotypes. I also liked how Jewish faith is incorporated into the story which is often underrepresented. My fourth grade students would enjoy this book and could benefit from reflecting on its strong message.

Hi-Lo books are always difficult to review because they so often seem to fall flat to readers outside their intended audience. I'm rating this poorly because I, as a reader, did not enjoy it. However I can see how it would be very appealing to readers who want MG content at an elementary reading level. I did find the focus on "boy things" somewhat anachronistic (I mean are there any parents alive now who would object to their son doing Zumba or being interested in knitting?), but perhaps this is a concern for young boys that I am unaware of.

Fish Out of Water by Joanne Levy is part of the Orca Currents series for middle-school students, and it is the first I've had the pleasure to read.

Twelve year old Fish Rosner is not content to have his interests defined by his gender. When his grandmother refuses to teach him how to knit, something he feels very passionate about, he is confused when she instead suggests that he watch sports with his grandfather. When Fish later joins the knitting club at school, it might just cost him the friendship of his bestie, Seth, but Fish soon realizes that pursuing your passion is sometimes the only way to be true to yourself, whatever the cost.

This is an engaging and affecting story that, although brief, speaks volumes about age appropriate issues and concerns, and it will certainly strike a chord with many readers, particularly within the middle-school demographic. I would be very interested in exploring more of this series in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for this ARC.

A quick, age-appropriate book that covers an issue I don't often see in children's books: gender conformity and stereotyping. The protagonist, Fishel ("Fish") is surrounded by people who try to push him into sports and discourage his interest in activities that are considered "feminine"--knitting and dance.

I appreciated the range of responses to Fish's interests: some simply assumed that he would like sports and needed to be told otherwise, while others actually got angry and seemed to take it personally. However, Fish also encountered people who encouraged his hobbies, and pointed out that activities weren't just "for girl" or "for boys", but for anyone who was interested. I thought this was a very realistic depiction of society and the responses friends, family, and even strangers have to kids that don't fit the norm.

I think this would be a great book for kids around Fish's age or a few years younger to read. It talks about the importance of standing up for yourself (even to adults!), not viewing girls as less than boys, and embracing what you like, even if you're made fun of for it. I also really enjoyed that the plot centered around Fish's mitzvah--a good deeds project. Not only did I appreciate a book with a Jewish protagonist where his religion and culture was highlighted, but it sends a good message about ways kids can give back to the community and care about others.