Reviews

What If a Fish by Anika Fajardo

fallingletters's review

3.0

Brief thoughts originally posted 16 October 2020 at Falling Letters.

Although it’s a quieter and more introspective story than [b: Efrén Divided|52507955|Efrén Divided|Ernesto Cisneros|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1567693986l/52507955._SX50_SY75_.jpg|62729949], What if a Fish is also a story of identity and family (this time across three generations). As well, it’s partially set in a Latin American country (Colombia). Eddie’s father died when he was young. Eddie plans to win a fishing contest to show he’s like his father, but first he has to travel to Colombia to visit his half-brother and his sick grandmother. The microaggressions Eddie experiences (a teacher who docks marks because he spells Colombia correctly, with two o’s and no u?!) had me clenching the book in frustration. It gave this adult reader a glimpse of how painful that can be for kids. What if a Fish offers a gentle (if at times deeply saddening) exploration of what it means to be Colombian when you’re a Colombian-American boy who has spent his entire life in the States.

smashley_rr's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Great use of magical realism, some beautiful imagery and symbolism, and reflective view of what it looks like to deal with grief and mourning. Not my favorite, but depending on the kid, I might recommend, especially for kids looking for a book about someone else their age dealing with grief and what that is like. 

stophie12's review

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kkvasudev's review

4.0

Really enjoyed the narrative of this book and the journey the main character goes on to find his identity in a world that doesn't fully hold him

It's also a beautiful intro to magical realism for younger kids and very sweet. And I love the representation of family that isn't blood related showing that family is a choice

sherrise's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

mordecai's review

sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

excellent_taste's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jazzyjbox's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

lprongs's review

Eddie Aguado, a half-Colombian 11 year old, reconnects to his dead father, his family, and his heritage when he spends the summer in Colombia with his half brother and abuela. Made me cry.

mareike9's review

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75