Starfish

Written by Lisa Fipps

Ellie battles fat-shaming and seeks freedom in a world obsessed with weight.

4.4 Goodreads · 38,077 ratings

256 pages· 25,995 words· Est. 3 hour read· HL630L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Ellie, bullied for her weight since childhood, finds solace in her swimming pool, where she feels free from judgment. With support from her dad, therapist, and new friend Catalina, Ellie challenges the 'Fat Girl Rules' and strives to embrace her true self. Can she break free from societal pressures and live unapologetically?

From the publisher

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.