In Lisa Fipps' STARFISH, readers will find a powerful novel-in-verse about finding one's own voice in the face of intense bullying!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this debut novel-in-verse.
Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she’s been bullied about her weight. To cope, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules–like “no making waves,” “avoid eating in public,” and “don’t move so fast that your body jiggles.” And she’s found her safe space–her swimming pool–where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants. It’s also where she can get away from her pushy mom, who thinks criticizing Ellie’s weight will motivate her to diet. Fortunately, Ellie has allies in her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, who loves Ellie for who she is. With this support buoying her, Ellie might finally be able to cast aside the Fat Girl Rules and starfish in real life–by unapologetically being her own fabulous self.
REVIEW
After hearing so many good things about Starfish, I finally got around to reading it. And I found myself thoroughly enthralled with Ellie and her journey. Ellie's weight has made her a target from her fifth birthday when she cannonballed in the pool and was given the nickname 'Splash' by her sister. In order to cope with the incessant bullying, both at home and at school, Ellie has developed what she calls 'Fat Girl Rules'. It broke my heart to read about Ellie's struggles, angry to read about the way she's treated, and relieved to discover that she does have support from her father, best friend, Viv, new friend, Catalina, and her therapist. The stunning free verse gives readers the chance to really immerse themselves in Ellie's emotions as she learns to speak up for herself. I really appreciated seeing Ellie come out of her shell with the help of her therapist, and the encouragement of her father and friends. Both heartbreaking and hope inspiring, Starfish reminds readers that there is room in this world for everyone.
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