Books Like Fish Girl
Families who loved Fish Girl by Donna Jo Napoli often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Fish Girl by Donna Jo Napoli often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.
