Hello! I'm Afoma.
  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Book Reviews, Middle-Grade, Verse Novels · March 9, 2021

Review | Starfish

Starfish - Book Review

Summary: Starfish

Starfish features Ellie, a fat girl who has been bullied for her weight since she wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash in the pool. Even her older brother and sister make fun of her weight. Her mom controls her diet, monitoring her portions and choosing lackluster “healthy” alternatives. Ellie is feeling more disheartened because her friend Viv who is also plus-sized is moving away.

Thankfully, after Viv moves, Ellie finds a friend in her new neighbor Catalina and her family. The family loves food and welcome Ellie with open arms, never judging her for her weight. At school, bullying intensifies when a chair breaks after Ellie sits on it. Her mom is also pushing for gastric bypass surgery for Ellie. Eventually, her father gets her mother to ease off by taking Ellie to a therapist who helps her accept her body and defend herself against bullies.

The Good

I loved the writing in this book. Lisa Fipps has such powerful, vivid writing, even while writing sparsely as one does in a verse novel. Ellie is such a sweet character and my heart broke for her so many times throughout the course of this book. Yet, that is one of the strengths of this book: the honesty. The author writes from her experiences and those of other fat people, and really forces readers to question their biases, especially in their relationship with fat friends and family.

Ellie and Catalina have a super supportive friendship, and I was also relieved to see Ellie find allies in her father and therapist. I love that this book is therapy positive and that the therapist helps Ellie to see herself as more than just fat, while coming to a real acceptance of her body. Fipps also dispels myths about fat people through Ellie’s story. Ellie is fit, tidy, and an A student at school, contrary to the common misconceptions about fat people.

Overall: Starfish

Starfish is a powerful, fat-positive middle grade verse novel about a girl who is learning that she deserves to take up space. This realistic story is important for educators, parents, and kids alike and urges all to question their biases toward fat people. It’s also a sweet book about friendship, sisterhood, swimming, summer, and self-acceptance.

Buy This Book

Starfish

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

More Book Reviews

  • The Comeback by E.L. Shen
  • Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
  • Smile by Raina Telgemeier

What are your favorite body-positive middle grade books? I’m looking forward to reading many more.

Don't Forget to Share!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn

Related

Posted In: Book Reviews, Middle-Grade, Verse Novels · Tagged: body image, bullying, family, friendships, summer stories, swimming, therapy-positive

Join My Newsletter

Like what you just read? Sign up for my Friday kidlit newsletter!

Privacy Policy

You’ll Also Love

Review | Be Real, Macy Weaver
middle grade books set in summer47 Middle-Grade Books Set in the Summer
Review | Coming Up Short

Comments

  1. Susan says

    March 9, 2021 at 11:16 am

    I’m so thankful that more books are coming out with fat characters for kids. Now to have more books with fat characters who just happen to be fat, rather than their fat being something to cope with or overcome!

    Reply
    • Afoma Umesi says

      March 10, 2021 at 3:03 pm

      Exactly!

      Reply
  2. rosihollinbeck says

    March 10, 2021 at 2:14 am

    Thanks for your thoughts. This book is very high on my TBR list. I really need to get a copy.

    Reply
    • Afoma Umesi says

      March 10, 2021 at 7:30 am

      It’s SO GOOD

      Reply

What do you think? Leave a comment Cancel reply

Next Post >

42 Best Middle-Grade Books About Grandparents

About Me
Hi, I'm Afoma! Thank you for stopping by. Learn more about me here.

Get 2 Months Free on Scribd


Follow on Bloglovin’

Follow

We’re Social Too!

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Stock photos courtesy of our partners at DepositPhotos 📸
  • Blog
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Reading Middle Grade · Theme by 17th Avenue

 

Loading Comments...