Families who loved Sashimi by Dan Santat 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 expresses the exhausting weight of trying to act normal to fit in at school. Whether they are starting a new grade or simply feeling like their true self doesn't match the crowd, Sashimi provides a hilarious and validating mirror for those feelings of being an outsider. It is a perfect choice for kids who use humor as a shield or for those who feel like everyone is watching their every move. The story follows a literal fishboy named Sashimi who attempts to blend into an elementary school while the town hunts for a local sea beast that happens to be him. Through absurdist humor and vibrant graphic novel panels, Dan Santat explores the tension between hiding one's identity and the relief of being seen for who you really are. This book is ideal for ages 7 to 12, offering a safe, comedic space to discuss social anxiety, peer pressure, and the importance of finding your own school of fish.