I Am Not a Fish!
Peter Raymundo
I Am Not a Fish!
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Peter Raymundo
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
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About This Book
Edgar the jellyfish wiggles through the ocean, frustrated that no one thinks he's a real fish. Suddenly, a group of starfish floats by with a surprising idea that might just change everything. But will Edgar finally find where he belongs?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This humorous early reader follows Edgar, a jellyfish struggling with his identity, as he learns to embrace his uniqueness with the support of friends. Suitable for ages 5-8, it encourages self-acceptance and celebrates individuality through playful storytelling and colorful illustrations. There is no intense content, making it appropriate for young children.
Why we rated I Am Not a Fish! 7LE
I Am Not a Fish! is written at a Level 2 reading level across 32 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, I Am Not a Fish! works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate I Am Not a Fish! as 7LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, I Am Not a Fish! explores self-acceptance, friendship, humor, and children's fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about self-acceptance, friendship, humor.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LE — Light — EmotionalNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780525554592
- Pages
- 32
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction