laurenleigh 's review for:

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

4.5

emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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This is a middle grade novel in verse about a fat preteen, navigating bullies at school and at home. I found it so powerful and moving, especially in this condensed format. It may be geared towards a younger reader, but caregivers and childcare professionals should absolutely read this. I’ve always peppered in a few middle grade books here and there, but it feels especially more important to do so as I raise my own kid. This was so so so good, and I’m emotional all over again just thinking about it.