Starfish

by Lisa Fipps

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.

• ISBN10: 1984814508
• ISBN13: 9781984814500
• Publish Date: 9 March 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 25 June 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 256
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781984814500

Reviews

[CrowNoYami]

I don't know how many times while reading this book I needed to stop to dry my tears. You can feel everything the main character, Ellie, does. As I was a chunky child, I related to her in nearly every aspect of this novel. That being said, I believe -anyone- who has ever felt like they weren't/aren't enough can gain something from reading this book.

 

My only complaint is that this novel wasn't written earlier when I was in my Splash part of my life. Learning to Starfish took so many years of my life, and I feel as though this book would have helped and will help others to figure out how to take up their space in the world, unashamed and unafraid. 

[Pigpen.Reads]

A free verse about fat shaming, bullying, and the effects it can have on a child. It was an insightful read and emotional as well. Ellie is a strong eleven year old. I do like that therapy was involved in this book, it shows that therapy is okay. Ellie did fight therapy at first, which some people tend to do, but she gets use to it and even comes to enjoy it.
The writing was spot on for it being in the perspective of an eleven year old. Because it was free verse, the 244 pages flew by fast! Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
I think I will have my kids read it, just to give them a perspective on how bully can effect someone. Whether it's psychical abuse or mental abuse.
Ellie had strong character growth, even though she's a fictional character, I'm so proud of her. She came a long way from beginning of the book to the end of the book. I would recommend this read.