
Starfish
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Narrated by:
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Jenna Lamia
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By:
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Lisa Fipps
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.
©2021 Lisa Fipps (P)2021 Listening LibraryListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
“In her debut novel, Starfish, Lisa Fipps confronts diet culture and fat phobia head-on.... This can make for difficult reading, but it never becomes unbearably bleak thanks to Ellie’s humor (there are some laugh-out-loud moments), as well as the power of her voice, which manages to convey many different feelings, often at once: sass and rage, innocence and cynicism, and, most of all, heartbreak. 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)
Featured Article: 12 Outstanding Audiobooks for Tweens
It can be incredibly difficult to find engaging stories that are thematically mature enough to challenge growing minds without veering over the edge into inappropriately adult content. Thankfully, there are many talented authors who achieve this balance, and we’ve rounded up some of the best examples of their work. Our list of 12 outstanding audiobooks for tweens is sure to offer something that's just right for your young listener.
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This is absolutely everything I could have ever wanted to hear as a child. EVERYTHING. I think I might have cried during the entire book. I'm very happy I got it on Audible; otherwise, I never would have been able to read it through the tears.
My mother bullied me relentlessly, not about weight but about being alive. I wish I could have confronted her like Ellie.
This book not only speaks to body positivity but also to racism, unhealthy family dynamics, bullying, and friendship.
"Does everybody make somebody feel like a nobody?"
That hit home. Do I look down on people who aren't like me? How could I hurt others the way I've been hurt? What gives me the right to pass my pain on to others? How could I continue the cycle?
This book gives the reader a lot to think about, and the narrator is absolutely perfect!
There is no such thing....
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Books As Mirrors
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Amazing
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pretty cool book but the main character is rude sometimes
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...headline...
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Inspiring 
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The reader’s voice was not exactly what I would have imagined Elli’s voice to be for a girl her age. (Hence the 4-stars for performance.) but it wouldn’t prevent me from listening again and again!
Lovely
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The authenticity of the characters in dialogue and emotions for their age.
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Everyone Needs to Read This!
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should have not shamed her I recommend reading!
Good story!
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