Review: My Life in the Fish Tank

Review:

My Life in the Fish Tank

Author: Barbara Dee

Publisher: Aladdin, 2020

Source: ARC

A simple phone call was all it took to turn Zinny’s world upside down. Her older brother, Gabriel, was involved in a car accident. Although his injury was not too serious – he broke a shoulder – Zinny’s parents are acting like something more has happened. And it has. Gabriel has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Zinny’s parents ask that Zinny and her siblings keep Gabriel’s diagnosis private. But what is the difference between keeping something private and keeping a secret?

Zinny withdraws, not sharing her troubles with her friends or counselors. Instead, she immerses herself in science. But even this presents a new dilemma. When she is offered a chance to attend her dream summer camp, she wonders if she should go, given the new family dynamics.

Barbara Dee does a wonderful job at taking on tough topics. (I also reviewed her book Maybe He Just Likes You earlier this year! ) Her stories are realistic, though positive and upbeat, and empathetic. I highly recommend her books and think they are meaty enough for book clubs and classroom discussion books.

 

*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.