Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mermaid tries to escape captivity in gorgeous graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In FISH GIRL, the nameless protagonist spends her days tantalizing tourists at her father's seaside attraction. Visitors to her aquarium only get a glimpse of her in the tank, but one girl in particular, Livia, wants to know more about the mermaid. Emboldened by their friendship, Fish Girl finds temporary means of escape. But is there a way for her to be truly free and independent?
Is It Any Good?
Gorgeous underwater visuals distinguish this understated tale of a young woman testing the boundaries of freedom. Fish Girl moves at a measured pace, relishing small moments rather than outsized gestures. David Wiesner's detailed, immersive art may be the big draw for many readers, but Donna Jo Napoli's script is sensitive and involving. Anyone who dreams of living under the sea will be captivated by this unusual graphic novel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Fish Girl updates the story of The Little Mermaid. Why are readers interested in mermaids?
Fish Girl begins to suspect that her father doesn't have her best interests in mind. How can greed cause bitterness and mistrust in a family?
What kinds of stories work best as graphic novels? What kinds of effects can the medium achieve that are more difficult in prose alone?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : David Wiesner
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : March 7, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 192
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate