Fish in the Sky follows Josh Stephenson as he turns thirteen, grappling with the awkwardness of puberty, the complexities of family relationships, and the excitement and confusion of first crushes. The book touches on themes of self-identity, belonging, and navigating social pressures, making it a valuable read for middle schoolers. Parents will appreciate its honest portrayal of adolescence and the opportunities it provides for discussing body changes, family dynamics, and healthy relationships. It's a gentle yet realistic exploration of a pivotal year.
Josh Stephenson's thirteenth year starts with a baffling sequence of events, including an odd gift from his estranged father, the arrival of his flirty seventeen-year-old female cousin, locker-room teasing about certain embarrassing anatomical changes, and wondering if dreams of love can ever come true.