My Life In The Fish Tank by Barbara Dee - Great Middle School Read

Just finished My Life In The Fish Tank by Barbara Dee - Great book! Perfect Middle School Reader book about a middle schooler named Zinnia whose brother’s mental illness (Bipolar) changes the life of her whole family.  I loved that although the storyline was deep and dark the writer stayed away from dark tones and although the whole family was going through this, the kids were kids. Dealing with friendships new and old, assignments, great teachers, etc. It was written from a child’s prospective as her and her family move through this situation. 

Zinnia is told to keep the facts of her brother’s illness a secret not because the parents are embarrassed but to give him privacy. This forces her to lie to her best friends which causes her to feel uncomfortable around them. This also means she isn’t getting the help she needs from her peers or teachers even when invited to a therapy club during lunch. She feels odd and different.  Hello, sounds like middle school even when your family isn’t going through something. 

I think this is a great read about a complex situation, handled by an amazing author. LOVED IT and cannot wait to read more of her work.