* “Fipps bursts onto the middle-grade scene with her debut, a verse novel that shines because of Ellie’s keen and emotionally striking observations. As she draws readers in with her smart and succinct voice, Ellie navigates the difficult map of knowing she deserves better treatment while struggling with the conflict that's necessary to achieve it. The book reads as if Ellie herself is writing these poems, which are accessible and engaging.” - The New York Times Book Review “In her debut novel, Starfish, Lisa Fipps confronts diet culture and fat phobia head-on. 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. Fortunately, Ellie has allies in her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, who loves Ellie for who she is. It's also where she can get away from her pushy mom, who thinks criticizing Ellie's weight will motivate her to diet.

In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants.

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.

Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant debut novel-in-verse.Įver since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she's been bullied about her weight.

Lisa fipps starfish