After three decades of passionate work, Mr. Jon Fishman, the beloved sixth grade English teacher here at North Broward, has a new title under his belt: published author. This past August, Mr. Fishman’s Young Adult novel Ask Me How Do I Feel is published and becomes available on the online shelves. This coming-of-age story follows the journey of Ty Steiner and how he navigates high school, while learning lessons about grief, friendship, acceptance, and the power of forgiveness.

Of course, writing a novel is a process. For Mr. Fishman, Ask Me How Do I Feel has been a fifteen-year journey, beginning from the period of 2009-2010 when he is faced with significant loss. Although the story begins brewing in his mind, it isn’t until during the COVID-19 pandemic when Mr. Fishman takes substantial action. In 2020, North Broward faces tragedy and grief within our own community. Driven to honor those who he has lost, Mr. Fishman decides to get his story out. Although Ask Me How Do I Feel is not a memoir or autobiography, Mr. Fishman emphasized how it reflected a piece of his story that needed to be told. When asked about the theme of the book regarding grief, Mr. Fishman expressed that it is essential to remember peoples’ stories and have joy for the time we’ve spent with those loved ones.

After going viral on TikTok for his unique teaching activities, Mr. Fishman is discovered by his publishing company Argyle Fox, and the process continues. Mr. Fishman even gains support from his son Harris Fishman, a North Broward alumnus also known as graphic designer Beetle Moses, to work on the cover illustration.

Getting a novel published isn’t an easy task. There are always trials, hurdles, and people saying “no.” Mr. Fishman’s experience was no exception. He emphasized the cruciality of perseverance during periods of tribulation, “Keep writing…don’t stop writing.”

Mr. Fishman has shared how North Broward has influenced his story greatly. He even had former students review his book to make sure he accurately depicted a modern high-school experience. Once Ask Me How Do I Feel” reaches the online shelves in August 2025, students and teachers race for a copy, and it is a hit, “Mr. Fishman’s book leaves you wanting to turn the page every chapter!” 10th grader William Atherton enthusiastically noted. 

Through his accomplishments, Mr. Fishman serves as a model of success and passion in our own North Broward community. Thank you, Mr. Fishman, for motivating us all to soar high. To show support, be sure to order a copy of Ask Me How Do I Feel here.