Fish Out of Water

Twelve-year-old Fish Rosner would rather curl up with a book or work on a craft project than play sports, but his family's expectations and an upcoming bar-mitzvah project push him into a world that expects him to act a certain way. As he navigates school and synagogue, he runs into gender stereotypes and the pressure to prove himself through traditionally masculine activities. The story follows Fish's struggle to stay true to his interests while confronting the impact of toxic masculinity on his friendships and self-image. Combining humor and sensitivity, the novel offers a relatable middle-grade perspective on identity and bias.