Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Voted by members as the Middle Grade additional nominee read for October 2022.



Starfish by Lisa Fipps

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

I don't read many middle grade novels and I don't enjoy poetry, but I thought I'd give this one a try anyway. I enjoyed it. The poems are written in a way that they present one story about a young girl that struggles with being bullied due to her weight. It was easy to read and flowed really well.

As a child I dealt with weight issues and bullying that resulted from it so I started this book with a sense of unease. The bullying the main character deals with while extreme at times was relatable. Overall though I enjoyed this book and how she ends up finding her voice.

I’m not a fan of middle school fiction and I’m a middle school science teacher (I know I know ). However, books in verse connect with me somehow. I just started it and although I don’t love it I see the appeal. The only thing I have ever read to compare it to would be Jacqueline Woodson and Jason Reynolds. We will see.

I didn't think I'd like this book, but I ended up really enjoying it. I listened to it on audio, and it flowed without feeling like poetry, which helped me as I don't appreciate poetry as much as others seem to.