Cover of The Magic Fish

The Magic Fish

Author Trung Le Nguyen

Grades 7 & Up Ages 12 and up

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR by the New York Public Library Kirkus Reviews BooklistPublishers Weekly

Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he's been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.

Real life isn't a fairytale.

But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It's hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn't even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he's going through?

Is there a way to tell them he's gay?

A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a young boy as he tries to navigate life through fairytales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that’s accessible for readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what—we can all have our own happy endings.

Available Formats

Trade Paperback 9781984851598
Hardcover 9780593125298
eBook 9781984851611
Unabridged Audiobook Download 9798217072811

State Awards

Connecticut

2022-2023, Nutmeg Book Award, Nominee

Delaware

2023, Blue Hen Book Award, Nominee

Georgia

2022-2023, Georgia Children’s Book Award, Nominee

Maine

2021, North Star Young Adult Book Award, Nominee

Maryland

2021-2022, Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, Winner

Massachusetts

2021, Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, Nominee

Pennsylvania

2022-2023, Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award, Nominee

South Dakota

2022-2023, Teen Book Awards, Nominee

Tennessee

2021-2022, Volunteer State Book Award, Nominee

Texas

2021, Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, Selection

Virginia

2020, VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award, Winner

Random House Children's Books Teachers and Librarians