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tangiblereads's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Fish Girl is a cute graphic/picture book that incorporates mythology. The images are fun and innocent. I enjoyed it. The octopus changing shape and whatnot throws me off.
renab's review against another edition
3.0
The author, illustrator and published missed an opportunity to support young people’s understanding and autonomy in relation to the complex topics in this book. Specifically, I wonder why they chose not to offer resources or advice for what to do if the reader found themself being exploited for their body, or, how they might help a friend in a situation of abuse. Another possibility might have been to offer a guide for adults reading the book with kids to support their comprehension and questions that came up. This book could be a great learning tool with better support.
pizzamyheart's review against another edition
5.0
Fish Girl is about a seaside attraction ran by Neptune, god of the sea. He owns a 3 floor house with an aquarium that runs the height of the house. Inside it is a mermaid. One day a girl spots the mermaid, and they become friends. That is when the mermaid starts to piece everything together. Maybe people aren't who they claim to be and maybe there is more to the world than her little tank.
I thought this was a perfect little read. It only took about an hour and is full of delightful illustrations. For a graphic novel, I thought they writing was fine. If you're accustomed to regular novels, then yes, this might be disappointing. Having already read a number of disappointing graphic novels, I found this one rather complete.
I thought this was a perfect little read. It only took about an hour and is full of delightful illustrations. For a graphic novel, I thought they writing was fine. If you're accustomed to regular novels, then yes, this might be disappointing. Having already read a number of disappointing graphic novels, I found this one rather complete.
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
5.0
I've been thinking about this book even after I finished reading it. This is a story about a mermaid who is the secret main attraction in a aquarium, Her mystery is what keeps the costumers coming back to try and find her. Her closest friend and guardian is an octopus, until a girl spots her and says she is beautiful and makes friends with her quickly. The mermaids friend starts to question why she is treated the way she is and wonders how Neptune does his act. The mermaid has only ever know Neptune as a god so when she finds out he has been manipulating her she questions her freedom and who she can trust. Soon she finds out she has some new legs to stand on and wants to escape. The art in this book is also gorgeous! You really lose yourself when you are reading this story. ~Ashley
This book is really powerful to me because this mermaid was lied to and manipulated all her life, she is trapped in a house aquarium all her life, no one is allowed to see her (only briefly to make money), and this is the only life she's ever know until she makes a connection with a true friend does she start to question her treatment. Neptune is no god and she now is growing more confident and working hard to leave. It's not easy having a controlling figure in your life (especially a parental one) and leaving these toxic and awful relationships can be hard. I really liked this book a lot because it was kinda a fantasy but also metaphorical. The message at the end is very empowering and is why I've been thinking about it so much. Great story and I highly recommend.
This book is really powerful to me because this mermaid was lied to and manipulated all her life, she is trapped in a house aquarium all her life, no one is allowed to see her (only briefly to make money), and this is the only life she's ever know until she makes a connection with a true friend does she start to question her treatment. Neptune is no god and she now is growing more confident and working hard to leave. It's not easy having a controlling figure in your life (especially a parental one) and leaving these toxic and awful relationships can be hard. I really liked this book a lot because it was kinda a fantasy but also metaphorical. The message at the end is very empowering and is why I've been thinking about it so much. Great story and I highly recommend.
booklover160's review against another edition
4.0
Stunning art earned this a whole star.
The prose was ehh okay. Quite simple compared to the artwork. The story and plot was just okay and left me feeling sort of bittersweet. I wonder what happened to her though after that. Like, that was a huge life change and now she's all alone so...
The prose was ehh okay. Quite simple compared to the artwork. The story and plot was just okay and left me feeling sort of bittersweet. I wonder what happened to her though after that. Like, that was a huge life change and now she's all alone so...
katiegrrrl's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful graphic novel about a girl finding her voice and her place in the world.
2017 52 Books 52 Weeks - published in 2017 but not a debut
2017 52 Books 52 Weeks - published in 2017 but not a debut
erincataldi's review against another edition
5.0
As a child I was obsessed with David Wiesner's gorgeously illustrated children's novels (Jumanji, The Polar Express, Zathura, etc.) and as a teenager I was completely taken with Donna Jo Napoli's young adult books, especially since the majority of them were fairy tell retellings. I re-read Sirena (a book about a mermaid coincidentally) soo many times in middle school. When I saw that these two literary power houses had teamed up to write a graphic novel I knew I HAD TO READ IT! Fish Girl is by n means complex, but it's simplicity is wonderful and inspiring. Fish Girl lives in a giant aquarium by the beach and helps Neptune put on a show for the humans who come in from the boardwalk. It's a lonely existence and she only has her octopus and the fish to keep her company, if she's lucky Neptune will tell her a goodnight tale while she gathers coins at the bottom of the tank. One day a little girl sees her, really sees her and nothing is ever the same again. A wonderful quick read. I found it absolutely refreshing and wonderfully drawn.
rokinjaguar's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As a coming-of-age story about a mermaid who finds friendship and independence, weak.
As a story about abuse, survival, and escape, it sticks with you.
As a story about abuse, survival, and escape, it sticks with you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Child abuse
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
3.0
Excellent graphic novel for younger readers. Power of friendship and caring themes.