Starfish is a moving, honest, and hilarious novel-in-verse about a beautiful, vibrant, talented 11-year-old girl, Ellie, who also happens to be fat. She doesn’t mind how she looks, but the others around her make sure to let her know that she is less-than because of her size. In this Printz Honor Book, we follow Ellie along as she faces painful comments and treatment from her classmates, strangers, and even her own family. But with the support of her dad, a therapist, and a new friend who loves Ellie just as she is, Ellie learns to stand up for herself and claim her right to take up space in this world.
OVERVIEW: At five years old – yes, five! – Ellie learns the “Fat Girl Rules,” which include, “You don’t deserve to be seen or heard, to take up room, to be noticed. Make yourself small.” 😢 Agh, it’s truly heartbreaking. In fact, her own sister christened her with the name, Splash, at five years old after Ellie joyously cannonballed into the swimming pool. That name stuck and is now the only name that her sister, brother, and classmates call her, diminishing Ellie’s spirit each time it’s used.
As a mom, the devastating and cruel things that Ellie’s own mom say to her and they way in which she withholds things, including what seems to be her love, just because of Ellie’s size, are incredibly difficult to read. I almost couldn’t believe that people would actually say the things to Ellie that they did, but sadly the author confirmed that all of the treatment in the book was treatment she had received in her life.
But, while the bullying content is tough to read, this is a book filled with hope. Ellie is funny, sharp, and resilient, and we are able to journey with Ellie as she finds the courage to stand up to her bullies, including her mom, and demand the respect, decency, and kindness she deserves. The swimming pool is her safe place, where she floats, weightless and unfettered, stretching out like a starfish. And by the end of the book, Ellie is starting to stretch out outside the pool as well.
“As I float,
I spread out my arms
and my legs.
I’m a starfish,
taking up all the room I want.”
This book is moving and will make you feel something and understand what others, especially those who are considered not size-appropriate, are feeling and going through. It shows how much words truly do matter and the profound effect they can have on others. I highly recommend it for all middle grade readers.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: I recommend this for readers ranging from 5th grade to 8th grade, or ages 10 to 14. Younger kids, especially those who feel unseen, will also enjoy and benefit from this book. Some of the bullying content is difficult, but the book’s message about everyone deserving space, respect, and love, is great for middle grade readers.
FAVORITE LINE: “I will never understand how some people can be so cruel. They have no right to keep making my life miserable. I have the power to stop this. I come up with a plan.” (YOU GO GIRL!)
THEMES: body acceptance, self-advocacy, friendship, empathy, and mental health.
Have you read Starfish? What are your thoughts on it?
Birdie's Bookshelf 