jesforeverlostinbooks 's review for:

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

5.0

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

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“The fat on my body never felt as heavy as your words on my heart.”

“Does everybody, make somebody feel like a nobody.”

Oh this is beautiful & heartbreaking. I adore good middle grade fiction & this one addresses bullying & what it’s like to be larger than average. This story is written in verse & will have you tearing up with each beautiful word. My heart hurt for Ellie… not only is she being bullied at school but her mother in an attempt to be helpful might be the worst bully of all. Ellie loves to swim & spend time in her pool where she feels safe. 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. But Ellie also has friends & a dad who are on her side & with the help of a therapist, maybe Ellie will learn how to live unapologetically & be her own fabulous self! 

“I'm a starfish, taking up all the room I want.”

“It would be great if people realized that we’re all different, in all kinds of ways, and different is okay.”