Santa Barbara Reads 2025: The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
The wait is over, library patrons! Santa Barbara Public Library is excited to announce the SB Reads 2025 selection, and first graphic novel choice, early so that you can gear up for inspiring conversations and engaging community events.
This year’s pick is the beautifully illustrated graphic novel, The Magic Fish, by Trung Le Nguyen. Through the story of a young boy navigating life through fairy tales, this book explores themes of identity, immigration, communication, and creative expression. It reminds us that where we are from shapes who we become, and that we are all connected.
Save the Date: SB Reads 2025 Events, Late October through Late November
Beginning late October through Late November, Santa Barbara Public Library will host a variety of programs, discussions, and creative activities inspired by The Magic Fish. Join us to explore where each of us comes from and how it shapes who we are. Some events to look forward to include the SB Reads kickoff, a community storytelling event, art classes, and thought-provoking book discussions!
Free print copies of The Magic Fish will be available in late-October at all SBPL locations in both English and Spanish (while supplies last). Want to start reading sooner? You can check out the e-book or print edition through the library.
About SB Reads
Each year, SBPL distributes free copies of a selected title and invites the community to engage in events and discussions centered around the book. We hope that readers will connect with one another by exploring themes, participating in discussions, and examining the world through different viewpoints. SB Reads is made possible through the generous financial support of the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation.
About The Magic Fish
by Trung Le Nguyen
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. (Publisher Description)
About the Author, Trung Le Nguyen
Trung Le Nguyen, also known as Trungles, is a comic book artist and illustrator working out of Minnesota. He received his BA from Hamline University in 2012, majoring in Studio Art with a concentration in oil painting and minoring in Art History. He has contributed work for Oni Press, BOOM! Studios, Limerence Press, and Image Comics. He is particularly fond of fairy tales, kids’ cartoons, and rom-coms of all stripes.