My Life in the Fish Tank

Gr 4-6--Dee offers a novel that depicts a family impacted by mental illness. Twelve year-old Zinny's life is dramatically changed by her oldest brother Gabriel's hospitalization and treatment for bipolar disorder. Mom and Dad seem to spend most of their days visiting him and fighting with insurance companies. Not only are Zinny's parents absent, leaving her and two other siblings to fend for themselves, but she is expected to keep Gabriel's diagnosis and situation private. With the help of her science teacher Ms. Molina, a guidance counselor who invites her to a lunch club for others with family challenges, and a family therapist, Zinny finally begins to open up. This book raises awareness of bipolar disorder and how it can affect a family dynamic. Zinny describes memories of Gabriel's manic behavior, and it is later implied that Gabriel crashed his roommate's car as an act of self-harm. However, this book does not attempt to understand what happens in Gabriel's mind. It does not explore Gabriel's feelings about what he and/or his family are experiencing. It could have been more valuable if the narration had shifted points of view between characters and included Gabriel's, or even centered Gabriel's perspective. VERDICT This book has value in describing the impact that a family member's mental illness can have on their loved ones. For larger collections and fans of Tae Keller's The Science of Breakable Things and Cindy Baldwin's Where the Watermelons Grow.--Rebecca Fitzgerald, Harrison P.L., NY

Twelve-year-old Zinny Manning loves her three siblings' loud banter, especially from her usually affable older brother, Gabe. But Gabe's recent rebellious behavior has Zinny baffled and even frightened. When he is in a car accident, her parents reveal that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and suggest that the family keep it a secret while Gabe receives treatment in a mental facility. Almost overnight, Zinny's once close-knit family grows distant and quiet, leaving her uncertain about what to tell her friends. With the help of an empathic teacher and a lunchtime group meant for kids struggling with similar challenges, Zinny grapples with her feelings about her brother and the societal stigmas attached to bipolar disorder. With emotional detail, Dee (Halfway Normal) captures Zinny's turmoil, particularly through flashbacks of affectionate interactions with her brother and current school scenes that reveal Zinny's anger and uncertainty. Though Dee's message--that mental illness need not be stigmatized--comes through clearly, the story manages to avoid feeling didactic through lunchtime conversations that are particularly relatable. With sensitivity and skillful storytelling, Dee portrays a difficult subject in an engrossing, accessible way. Ages 9-13. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary Management. (Sept.)