Starfish

Starfish – A Powerful Middle Grade Novel-in-Verse About Body Positivity and Finding Your Voice

Starfish by Lisa Fipps is an award-winning, Printz Honor middle grade novel-in-verse that delivers an unflinching and empowering story about fat-shaming, self-love, and reclaiming your worth.

Ellie has been bullied for her body since childhood—ever since she made a splash in a whale swimsuit at her fifth birthday party. To survive in a judgmental world, she follows the unspoken “Fat Girl Rules”: don’t eat in public, don’t make waves, and never take up too much space. But there’s one place Ellie feels free—her swimming pool, where she can float weightless and stretch out like a starfish.

As the pressure from her mother to lose weight intensifies, Ellie finds support in her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor Catalina, who sees Ellie for who she truly is. With their help, Ellie begins to break the rules and reclaim her space in the world—just as she is.

Told in lyrical, accessible verse, Starfish is a heartfelt and inspiring novel that tackles fatphobia and celebrates the power of self-acceptance and inner strength. Perfect for fans of The Crossover and Genesis Begins Again.