About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels stifled by expectations or is struggling to find their own voice within a restrictive environment. Fish Girl follows a young mermaid confined to a boardwalk aquarium, managed by a man who claims to be her protector but is actually her captor. Through a secret friendship with a human girl, the protagonist begins to realize that her world is much smaller than it should be, sparking a quiet but powerful awakening about her own autonomy. This graphic novel uses the mermaid mythos to explore deep themes of emotional manipulation and the importance of self-determination. It is a visually stunning story that validates a child's need for independence and the courage it takes to leave a situation that no longer serves them. While the tone is atmospheric and slightly melancholic, the resolution is profoundly empowering for middle grade readers navigating their own paths toward growing up.
