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Starfish Hardcover – March 9, 2021

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,865 ratings

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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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Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
1,865
4.9 out of 5 stars
72
Price $7.00 $8.99
Check out more from Lisa Fipps: A Printz Honor Winner! Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this highly acclaimed debut novel-in-verse. A gripping new novel-in-verse by the author of the Printz Honor-winning Starfish, featuring a poverty-stricken boy who bravely rides out all the storms life keeps throwing at him.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-A charming novel in verse about a girl struggling with self-worth. Ellie is a middle school girl who is bullied every day for her weight. Whether it comes from classmates, siblings, or even her mother, Ellie is constantly bombarded with comments about her size. Luckily, her friends help keep her head up most of the time. When her best friend Viv moves away, a new friend, Catalina, fits right into her place. Ellie's dad is also an ally; he stands up to Ellie's mom and decides to take Ellie to a therapist. With the help of Dr. Wood, Ellie learns how to feel comfortable in her own skin. Once readers start, it will be difficult for them to put this book down. Ellie's story is heartbreaking and raw at times, and Fipps paints a realistic picture of bullying in a world that equates thinness with beauty. Ellie's own family, except for her dad, also buy into that ideal, calling her "Splash," making fun of her, and cataloguing everything she eats. True joy comes in watching Ellie gain confidence in herself and standing up to the bullies, even when they're family. The race of most characters is not mentioned. Catalina and her family are Mexican American. VERDICT A must-have for libraries serving teens and tweens.-Lisa Buffi, Sterling M.S., VAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

“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

*
“Fipps bursts onto the middle-grade scene with her debut, a verse novel that shines because of Ellie’s keen and emotionally striking observations. As she draws readers in with her smart and succinct voice, Ellie navigates the difficult map of knowing she deserves better treatment while struggling with the conflict that's necessary to achieve it. Fipps hands her young narrator several difficult life lessons, including how to self-advocate, how not to internalization of the words of others, and what it means to defend yourself. Ellie's story will delight readers who long to see an impassioned young woman seize an unapologetic victory.”—Booklist, starred review

* “Fipps’ verse is skillful and rooted in emotional reality. The text places readers in Ellie’s shoes, showing how she is attacked in many spaces—including by strangers on public transit—while clearly asserting that it’s other people who need to change. . . . Make room in your heart for this cathartic novel”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* “Affirming representation of fatness. . . . Fipps’s use of verse is as effective as it is fitting; Ellie dreams of becoming a storyteller and poet ‘to help people feel what it’s like/ to live in/ someone else’s skin.’ A triumphant and poignantly drawn journey toward self-acceptance and self-advocacy.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* “A charming novel in verse about a girl struggling with self-worth. . . . Once readers start, it will be difficult for them to put this book down. Ellie’s story is heartbreaking and raw at times, and Fipps paints a realistic picture of bullying in a world that equates thinness with beauty. . . . True joy comes in watching Ellie gain confidence in herself and standing up to the bullies, even when they’re family. . . . A must-have for libraries serving teens and tweens.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“In this free-verse novel, Fipps is laceratingly authentic about the kind of ‘teasing’ and ‘help’ that Ellie is constantly subject to, and the family dynamic, wherein her father dislikes her mother’s treatment but rarely intervenes, is sadly believable. . . The intense focus mirrors a lot of experience, and readers will be glad to see Ellie eventually ‘starfishing—starting to claim my right to take up space.’”—
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This beautiful, heartbreaking, and powerful novel-in-verse would pair well with media literacy lessons on body imagery, bullying, and victim shaming. The story is very engaging and readers will not want to put it down. School guidance counselors, school psychologists, and social workers will appreciate the realistic portrayal of Ellie’s therapist and the benefits of therapy for children and adults.”—
School Library Connection

“Ellie’s simple and powerful free-verse poems intensify her emotional turmoil and smoothly destroy stereotypes (‘They think I’m unhappy / because I’m fat. / The truth is, / I’m unhappy because / they bully me / about being fat’). Her strength in accepting herself and learning to defy her Fat Girl Rules is an inspiring reminder to
all readers that they deserve to ‘take up space.’”—Horn Book

“Readers will rejoice as Ellie gains the strength to confront bullies with intelligence and honesty, and refuses to allow other people’s cruelty to shape her life.”—
Padma Venkatraman, award-winning author of The Bridge Home

“This is a big beautiful book about a big beautiful girl. Meet Ellie, who looks in the mirror and sees someone lovable. Now, if only the rest of the world (and especially her own mother and brother) could see what Ellie sees. This is a story about the colossal cruelty that’s hurled at her because of her weight, and how, with colossal strength, Ellie manages to triumph. An honest, heartbreaking, hilarious novel-in-verse from a debut author with a delicious voice.”—
Sonya Sones, author of What My Mother Doesn’t Know

“Lisa Fipps’s spot-on verse gives Ellie a wrenchingly real voice that sings with humor, pain, and hope. Prepare yourself: Once you read this book, your heart will never be the same.” —
K. A. Holt, author of House Arrest

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nancy Paulsen Books (March 9, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1984814508
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1984814500
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ HL630L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 6
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.81 x 0.87 x 8.56 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,865 ratings

About the author

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Lisa Fipps
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Lisa Fipps is an award-winning former journalist and an author of middle-grade books. STARFISH is her debut novel.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,865 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and encouraging for kids to read chapter books. They find the heartfelt message emotional, thought-provoking, and inspiring. The writing quality is praiseworthy, with a poetic narrative that readers enjoy. Readers describe the message as positive, empowering, and helping them think deeply. They also find the story insightful and relatable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

42 customers mention "Readability"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging for both parents and children. They say it encourages kids to read chapter books and has a great message for middle grade readers. The book is recommended for kids as well as adults, as it helps everyone understand the point of view.

"...Even though this is technically a children’s book, I think it should be required reading for everyone regardless of age. I love this book so much...." Read more

"Really enjoyed the book. I’ve cried reading it...." Read more

"...It’s also quite easy to read and it can encourage kids to read chapter books because it does not take a long time to read...." Read more

"Man, where was this book when I was growing up!? A fantastic read for everyone, my fifth grade daughter told me about it after her teacher and..." Read more

37 customers mention "Heartfelt message"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotional, inspiring, and thought-provoking. They appreciate the thoughtful and honest writing style, as well as the poetry about being yourself, even when it's hard. The book teaches empathy and emotional intelligence.

"...I appreciated Ellie’s places of freedom and peace away from it all, like floating in her swimming pool, spread out like a Starfish – her own spot to..." Read more

"...An emotional read for sure" Read more

"...But it was so heartfelt and gut-wrenching. I read this in one sitting and went through a few hankies. Very special book." Read more

"One of a kind novel in verse about identity, self-worth, seeing yourself and others." Read more

31 customers mention "Writing quality"31 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the content well-written and the narrative in verse form thought-provoking. The story is written lyrically from a young girl's perspective, reflecting very closely on bullying. Readers describe it as an easy and powerful read.

"...I could go on and on because I enjoyed the amount of descriptive verse on each page that captured Ellie’s words perfectly of how she felt about her..." Read more

"This book hit on so many notes. Poo Beautifully written. This can apply to many different struggles that children face today." Read more

"...This middle grade novel in verse pulled at my heartstrings. The writing is beautiful and poetic...." Read more

"I loved this book, the content is very well written and it addresses topics that could be a bit touchy in an excellent way...." Read more

26 customers mention "Message"26 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message. They find it empowering, helping them think deeply, and a powerful conversation starter. The book portrays going to counseling as normal and engaging.

"...I also love how this book portrays going to counseling as something normal. No different than going to a doctor for a physical problem...." Read more

"...I cheered her on as I turned the pages with titles such as, Life Saving Librarians, Shattering Stereotypes and the best one, What Do I Want?!..." Read more

"...I appreciate the therapist sessions and how the advice can help readers as well as play aN important role in Ellie’s progress toward accepting..." Read more

"...I knew Ellie’s pain. This book is for all who are bullied, all who bully and all who believe that their worth is based on their physical appearance...." Read more

13 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the story insightful and empowering. They say it's beautifully written, and anyone can connect to it. The novel is written in verse, which gives readers an intimate connection with Ellie. It helps kids see themselves in her and also helps them see themselves.

"...It was so encouraging to see Ellie learn to love and accept herself. She learns to reclaim her power...." Read more

"This is an insightful story about the struggles of being an overweight child and how society doesn’t see the damage making jokes about weight can..." Read more

"Wonderful and shocking story of how mean people can be towards others different than themselves...." Read more

"...rules" - this is a book that will change lives, both helping kids to see themselves in Ellie but also to see themselves in her bullies...." Read more

World changing
5 out of 5 stars
World changing
This book speaks directly to the child I was. I've never felt my childhood school experiences more clearly seen than in this book. It is a compelling, brutal read with a hopeful finish. I want to put it in the hands of every kid like I was, every kid who stands by and allows bullying to continue, every bully, and every parent of a kid like Ellie.I have added it to my classroom library and am donating a copy to the school library. I'm hopeful that it can be world changing to my students.It is definitely a fifth grade and above read, and is intense in some spots where it describes humiliating interactions with her classmates, the public, and her family. There are helpful adults sprinkled throughout to help Ellie on her journey.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
    I first heard about this book through a Facebook ad. I was a bit hesitant to read it for a couple reasons: I am WAY older than the intended audience and I wasn’t too sure about the prose as verse writing style.

    But this book tugged at my heart strings. I was bullied in elementary and middle school as well. I was pinched, hit, and kicked. My books were knocked out of my hands. I was called Brace Face and 4 Eyes. Rumors were spread about me. It was pretty much non stop from the time I started school until I left for the day. My parents had no idea how bad it got. It was numerous different people. Trying to stand up to the bullies or protect myself did no good. So after awhile o just took it. I wasn’t bullied for my weight. But bullying is painful regardless.

    I am also a writer and a poet. So I definitely related to Ellie that way. I also have a very complicated relationship with my mother.

    I also love how this book portrays going to counseling as something normal. No different than going to a doctor for a physical problem. I learned a lot from sitting in on Ellie’s therapy sessions. I also love her friendship with Catalina and how she and her family accept Ellie no questions asked.

    I also love that Ellie has a pug. I love pugs so much, so I loved that part of the story.

    It was so encouraging to see Ellie learn to love and accept herself. She learns to reclaim her power. She refuses to let the bullies or her mother determine her worth. Even though this is technically a children’s book, I think it should be required reading for everyone regardless of age. I love this book so much. It will stay with me for a long time.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2022
    My heart goes out to Ellie who lives by her list of Fat Girl Rules to endure everyday life. Her siblings do not help matters as her sister nicknamed her splash (from a big splash she made when she jumped in a pool) and a brother who never stops his snide comments about Ellie’s weight! What struck me most was her mom who constantly looked for remedies for Ellie’s weight and even went as far as taking her to the doctor and she never stopped pointing out Ellie’s eating habits. They never asked Ellie how SHE felt and I was happy her dad, at times, stuck up for her along with her friend’s family next door who accepted Ellie for who she was. I appreciated Ellie’s places of freedom and peace away from it all, like floating in her swimming pool, spread out like a Starfish – her own spot to just BE. Heartbreaking to say the least what Ellie goes through at school with fat shaming bullies and just plain mean kids and I cheered her on as I turned the pages with titles such as, Life Saving Librarians, Shattering Stereotypes and the best one, What Do I Want?! (My favorites pages)
    All Ellie wanted was to be seen, heard and treated like a human.
    I was ecstatic when Ellie took steps with her new therapist to help herself (Weight of Words) and she slowly came around with learning to be heard and realize her actual value. (One of the best parts was when she finally got her words out to her mom). I loved the fact that she had her notebook to spill her words of pain out and confront so valiantly. I could go on and on because I enjoyed the amount of descriptive verse on each page that captured Ellie’s words perfectly of how she felt about her self, her weight, and most of all -how others made her feel.
    A great read Lisa(!) and what a lifeline you’ve supplied to so many in this wonderful heartfelt book! Bravo -
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2024
    I chose this book for my son to do a report on for school. I read it first and it has literally changed my life! I was able to reconcile with my inner child and really start to move past wanting to change what my body looks like and instead change how I view myself.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
    This is an insightful story about the struggles of being an overweight child and how society doesn’t see the damage making jokes about weight can have. I appreciate the therapist sessions and how the advice can help readers as well as play aN important role in Ellie’s progress toward accepting herself. I also thought it was good to realize that she had issues seeing beyond her struggles to realize others were struggling. An emotional read for sure
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
    This might be my favorite book ever! Lisa is so great at writing how it feels to be fat as a kid.

    I even got starfish tattoos because of it!
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    As others have expressed, I was also hesitant because this was a verse rather than prose and written for middle schoolers. But it was so heartfelt and gut-wrenching. I read this in one sitting and went through a few hankies. Very special book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025
    One of a kind novel in verse about identity, self-worth, seeing yourself and others.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
    Lisa Flipps wrote Starfish, a fictional account of her experience of being fat shamed, by her mother, brother and some of her classmates. At first, I was attracted by the cover and then I learned that Ellie, the main character have had so many of the same experiences.

    On April's Fools day, when I was in seventh grade, a couple of boys loosened the screws on the desk so that it collapsed when I sat down. I was so mortified! I did realize that the desk/chair was wobbly when I sat down so I could have avoided being on the floor bruised and very embarrassed. They got away with it, there was no teacher in the room. I always hated April Fool's Day after that. I was shocked that Ellie had been pranked too.

    I am 78 years old, my weight goes up and down, when it is up, I am shamed by doctors who I have quit and my first husband.

    Fat shaming is painful no matter what age you are. I loved that Ellie had a counselor to help her learn how to handle this problem. I never had that, I wan unlucky but I thank Lisa Flipps from the bottom of my heart and more for writing this wonderful book.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Romz Santiago
    5.0 out of 5 stars My teenager approves it!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 24, 2024
    I gifted this to my teenager so she can learn about her body and she said that she really likes it.
  • eddstello
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gem
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 27, 2022
    Written in verse, STARFISH is a fast read 'cause even when it comes to tough topics like bullying and fat-shaming, it does so in such a unique way that you quickly connect with Ellie, the protagonist, and the way she copes with the painful situations in her life. It is very hurtful to realize that sometimes insecurities and fears are born at home, the place where we should feel protected and loved. I am sure that both Ellie and her story will remain in my heart forever. A magnificent debut novel by Lisa Flipps. ⭐️
  • Varsha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful
    Reviewed in India on June 26, 2024
    On nearly any list of “must-read” verse novels for middle-graders, I come across Starfish. I finally read it, and I completely understand why it’s on so many lists. There are so many things — some small, some big — that make this book special.

    Twelve-year-old Ellie has Fat Girl Rules to protect herself. She must never draw attention to the way her body jiggles. She should try to be invisible, never make waves. She even holds a pillow in front of herself without even realising it to hide her body as best she can.

    She knows, however, that her problem is not her being fat. Rather, it is how other people make her feel because she is fat. And the other people, unfortunately, start with her family. Specifically her mother who uses fridge magnets to draw Ellie’s attention to articles about losing weight. And her brother, who loses no opportunity to mock her or look at her with disgust.

    When Ellie’s best friend moves away, she feels lonelier than ever, but I love books that don’t spiral into doom and gloom. Starfish is such an optimistic book!

    In her note at the end, Lisa Fipps says that she originally envisaged this story as a young adult novel. It was her editor who suggested that she should rewrite it as a middle-grade read so that it could empower young people who struggle with fatphobia. And I love that she did it!

    From making a new friend to discovering love in a new family, Ellie’s journey through the story just becomes bigger and better. With help from a brilliant, quirky therapist, Ellie learns to come to terms with what she wants. She begins to understand how she can defend herself without attacking someone else. And most importantly, she learns to stand up for herself.

    What a lovely, powerful book Starfish is!
  • Fiona J. Gaunt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2023
    This middle grade novel about a young girl who struggles with her weight is heart wrenching but finally, heart warming as she learns to accept herself.
  • andy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wholesome and empowering
    Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2021
    I wish books like this were out when I was a kid, this book is so cute and powerful. The reading comprehension is not too hard, the pages are small and would be very great for students in middle school and high school. It’s really enjoyable.