“Starfish” by Lisa Fipps

Middle Grade • Novel in Verse • Body Positivity • Bullying • Self-Worth

Author: Lisa Fipps

Genre: Poetry and Verse

Recommended Ages: 8-12

Summary: (spoiler-free)

Starfish follows Ellie, a middle school girl who has been bullied for her weight for as long as she can remember. Her mom pressures her to diet constantly, her classmates are cruel, and even family members make comments that sting. Ellie copes by following her personal “Fat Girl Rules”—guidelines meant to help her stay unnoticed in a world that judges her body.

Told in verse, Ellie’s story is honest, painful, hopeful, and incredibly empowering. Through a supportive therapist, a new friend, and her own growing confidence, Ellie begins to challenge the rules she once lived by and learns that she has every right to take up space in the world—just like a starfish.

My Thoughts:

Starfish is one of those books you finish and immediately want to put into the hands of students who need it. Ellie’s voice is raw, real, and deeply relatable. Lisa Fipps captures the emotional weight of body-shaming with incredible sensitivity, balancing heartbreak with humor, growth, and joy.

As a future elementary school librarian, I appreciate how this novel in verse gives readers space to breathe and reflect. The poetry format makes tough topics more accessible, and Ellie’s journey encourages kids to think about kindness—not only toward others but toward themselves. I especially love how the book models healthy therapy conversations and celebrates supportive friendships, showing how one person’s encouragement can make a life-changing difference.

This book matters because so many children carry invisible burdens around body image. Starfish helps them feel seen, validated, and less alone.

Themes:

• Body Positivity & Self-Acceptance

• Bullying & Emotional Hurt

• Family Relationships & Healing

• Friendship & Support Systems

• Finding Your Voice

• Mental Health & Therapy

• Learning to “Take Up Space”

Why Starfish by Lisa Fipps is Important for Diversity and Inclusion:

Although Starfish centers specifically on body image, it fits beautifully into conversations about inclusivity. Ellie’s story challenges harmful stereotypes about size, beauty, and worth—offering representation for kids who rarely see themselves portrayed with respect and dignity in books. Lisa Fipps gives Ellie a tender, authentic voice that pushes back against a culture that often shames young people for their bodies.

Inclusive stories like this remind readers that every child deserves to feel valued, supported, and seen—without needing to change who they are. This book also fosters empathy, inviting readers to reflect on how their words and actions impact others.

Library Integration:

Grades 4–8

• “Take Up Space” Poetry: Students write a short poem about something they love about themselves.

• Bullying Awareness Activity: Discuss how comments about appearance affect emotional well-being.

• Therapy & Coping Skills Conversation: Create a safe space to talk about what healthy support can look like.

• Verse Novel Study: Pair with Redwood and Ponytail, Booked, Inside Out & Back Again, or Other Words for Home.

• Fat-Shaming Reflection: Explore how media portrays bodies and how that shapes children’s self-esteem.

Library Programming

• “Celebrate Yourself” Display: Feature books about confidence, mental health, and self-worth.

• Kindness Pledge Wall: Invite students to share ways they can make their community kinder.

• Lunch-Bunch Book Club: Starfish is excellent for small-group discussions.

Librarian Reflection:

This book is a reminder that libraries are sanctuaries—places where students can find stories that help them feel whole. Starfish invites us, as librarians, to create shelves that uplift children who often feel judged for things they cannot change. Ellie’s journey challenges us to build spaces where all bodies are respected and where every reader knows they are allowed to take up space, both in books and in life.

*Starfish by Lisa Fipps