Starfish
Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a poignant novel-in-verse published by Penguin Young Readers Group on May 2, 2023. This edition spans 256 pages and is written in English. The story follows Ellie, who faces bullying due to her weight and grapples with the pressures of diet culture and fat phobia. Through her journey, Ellie navigates the challenges of adolescence while seeking solace in her love for swimming, where she feels free and accepted.
Readers will find a heartfelt exploration of social themes such as bullying and self-acceptance. As Ellie confronts the Fat Girl Rules imposed on her, she learns to embrace her identity with the support of her father, therapist, and new friend Catalina. The narrative captures Ellie’s struggle and growth, highlighting her desire to live authentically and unapologetically. This edition of Starfish offers an engaging perspective on adolescence and the importance of self-love in a world that often imposes unrealistic standards.
Official synopsis Publisher
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.
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