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Starfish
A PRINTZ HONOR BOOK • Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant novel-in-verse.
“In her debut novel, Starfish, Lisa Fipps confronts diet culture and fat phobia head-on. . . . The book reads as if Ellie herself is writing these poems, which are accessible and engaging.”—The New York Times Book Review
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.
“In her debut novel, Starfish, Lisa Fipps confronts diet culture and fat phobia head-on. . . . The book reads as if Ellie herself is writing these poems, which are accessible and engaging.”—The New York Times Book Review
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.
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Community Reviews
Hmn...this one felt a little rushed at times. I found the character compelling and the story feels important, but it also felt off. I can't quite put my finger on why. Might have to think on it a while.
Excellent book for adults too!
Incredibly empathetic story for any child or tween who has faced overt and "thinly disguised" forms of torment and bullying. A must read for parents of kids plagued with this type of abuse.
Incredibly empathetic story for any child or tween who has faced overt and "thinly disguised" forms of torment and bullying. A must read for parents of kids plagued with this type of abuse.
Imagine being harassed on a daily basis because of something you cannot control. Imagine if it happens every day at school and your best friend has to move so you now feel alone. Imagine if your own family also sees your flaws and doesnât let you forget them. In fact, they make you feel horrible about yourself. Imagine if you have so much self-loathing, and the people who you know who are supposed to be there and protect you, arenât.
We witness how Ellie has to try her best and endure the bullying that surrounds her. How the words cut so deep that her physical bruises are nothing, for her.
This is a gutwrenching novel told in verse. It can have triggers that include bullying, dysfunctional family relations, and fat.
What I loved about Ellie is how open she is and how she slowly starts to sense her self-worth. It is as if you are seeing someone blossom in front of you. I am truly hoping the author, Lisa Fipps will write a sequel to this because her brother is still a schmuck. Her enemies are still there but it is how she sees herself and that is priceless.
We witness how Ellie has to try her best and endure the bullying that surrounds her. How the words cut so deep that her physical bruises are nothing, for her.
This is a gutwrenching novel told in verse. It can have triggers that include bullying, dysfunctional family relations, and fat.
What I loved about Ellie is how open she is and how she slowly starts to sense her self-worth. It is as if you are seeing someone blossom in front of you. I am truly hoping the author, Lisa Fipps will write a sequel to this because her brother is still a schmuck. Her enemies are still there but it is how she sees herself and that is priceless.
WOW. sobbed through the whole book . I felt like I myself had written this book. Heartbreaking and so true.
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