Starfish by Fipps, Lisa

A Printz Honor winner!

Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant 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.

Author: Lisa Fipps
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Published: 03/09/2021
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.70w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781984814500
Age Range: 10-UP

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.1
Point Value: 4
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 510597 / Starfish

Award: Michael L. Printz Award - Honor Book

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 12/01/2020 pg. 54
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2021
School Library Journal 02/01/2021 pg. 67
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2021
Publishers Weekly 02/22/2021
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2021 pg. 133
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2021 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Lisa Fipps is a graduate of Ball State University, an award-winning former journalist, a former director of marketing for a public library (where she won the Sara Laughlin marketing award), and an author of middle-grade books. Starfish is her debut novel. She lives in Kokomo, Indiana.