“No matter what others say or do, embrace what makes you, you.”- Starfish by Lisa Fipps

If you’re looking for a heartfelt, empowering story for young readers, Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a must-read. This book is moving, relatable, and filled with important life lessons that will resonate with tweens and teens alike. It’s a great mix of humor, raw emotion, and self-discovery that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the last.

The story follows Ellie, a middle schooler who struggles with body image issues and bullying due to her weight. Throughout the book, Ellie learns how to embrace herself, stand up for her worth, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength.

In this blog, I’ll look into the plot, characters, themes, and life lessons that make Starfish such a meaningful read for tweens.

Plot Summary

Ellie is a seventh grader who’s been dealing with the harsh realities of bullying and body shaming for years. She’s been called names and humiliated by her classmates, leaving her to feel isolated and self-conscious. Despite her love for swimming, Ellie feels uncomfortable in her skin and struggles with her self-image.

Her family isn’t much help—her mother constantly pushes her to lose weight, and her father remains emotionally distant. Ellie feels alone in her journey until one day, she has an eye-opening experience at the local pool.

At the pool, she meets a kindhearted swim coach named Carl, who encourages her to pursue her passion for swimming despite her insecurities. With Carl’s support and a series of pivotal moments, Ellie starts to realize that her worth isn’t determined by her body size or the opinions of others.

As she grows more confident, Ellie begins to take control of her happiness. She finds the courage to stand up to her bullies, confront her family’s unrealistic expectations, and, most importantly, see who she truly is.

Themes and Life Lessons

1. Body Image and Self-Acceptance: The central theme of Starfish is learning to love yourself, no matter what others say. Ellie’s journey is all about overcoming insecurities and realizing that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. She teaches readers the importance of self-acceptance and the power of inner strength.

2. Overcoming Bullying: Ellie’s experience with bullying highlights the emotional toll it takes on a young person’s mental health. But through her journey, she shows that standing up for yourself and seeking help can make a big difference. The book encourages readers to speak out against bullying and support each other in times of need.

3. Family Dynamics and Expectations: Another key theme in the book is Ellie’s relationship with her family, especially her mother’s constant push for her to lose weight. Ellie learns to communicate her feelings with her parents and assert her needs, showing readers how to navigate difficult family relationships with honesty and compassion.

4. Resilience and Growth: Throughout the book, Ellie shows remarkable growth as she overcomes challenges, embraces her uniqueness, and becomes stronger emotionally. This theme of resilience inspires young readers, teaching them that setbacks are part of life but don’t define who you are.

Genre and Themes in Starfish

“DNA doesn’t make you family. Love does. Actions do.”- Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Starfish is a middle-grade contemporary novel that tackles important real-life issues with honesty and sensitivity. It’s an emotional yet hopeful story that is both heartwarming and relatable for tweens.

About the Themes

Body Positivity: Starfish is a perfect example of a body-positive story. Ellie’s journey to self-love and acceptance is central to the plot, and the book encourages readers to be kind to themselves and others regardless of appearance.

Overcoming Adversity: This book fits into the trope of overcoming adversity. Ellie faces many obstacles, from bullying to family expectations, but she learns to rise above them and embrace her authentic self.

Goodreads Reader’s Rating

Starfish has received a rating of 4.46 stars on Goodreads, with thousands of positive reviews. The book has touched the hearts of readers young and old, who appreciate its honest portrayal of growing up and dealing with difficult issues.

Reviews: “An inspiring story about self-love and finding your voice. Ellie’s journey made me cry, laugh, and feel empowered.”

“A must-read for any tween struggling with body image or self-esteem. This book shows how to overcome challenges and embrace who you are.”

“Ellie’s story is so relatable and uplifting. Starfish is full of heart and life lessons that every young person needs to hear.”

Who Will Enjoy Starfish?

Starfish is ideal for tweens and young teens, particularly those navigating issues like body image, bullying, and self-esteem. It’s a great choice for readers who are looking for a book that offers emotional depth and hope.

Age and Content Warning:

This book is recommended for readers aged 10 and up. It covers sensitive topics such as bullying, body shaming, and family struggles, so parents and caregivers should be aware of these themes when recommending it to younger readers.

People who liked these books:

• Wonder by R.J. Palacio

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

• Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

If you enjoyed these books, Starfish will likely be another favorite!

Books Similar to Starfish

If you liked Starfish, you’ll also love:

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

• The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

• Roll with It by Jamie Sumner

• The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

These books tackle important themes of self-identity, overcoming challenges, and growing up, making them perfect companions for readers who appreciate Starfish.

Conclusion

Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a powerful and heartfelt novel that offers important life lessons for tweens and teens. Told in verse, it follows Ellie, a girl who has been bullied for her weight for most of her life—even by her own family.

As Ellie learns to use her voice and set boundaries, she begins to understand her worth and embrace who she is. The story beautifully explores themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and emotional growth.

With honesty, warmth, and humor, Starfish encourages readers to stand up for themselves and reject harmful judgments. It’s an inspiring and empowering read that reminds us all that we are enough exactly as we are.

More from Lisa Fipps

Lisa Fipps is an author dedicated to writing stories that touch the hearts and minds of young readers. She tackles tough topics like self-esteem, body image, and resilience with warmth and sensitivity. Her writing encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness and face challenges head-on.

Other books by Lisa Fipps

• The Big Finish

• In the Shadow of the Fallen Moon

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is Starfish?

Starfish is a relatively short read, with approximately 300 pages, making it perfect for tweens and teens who enjoy an emotional, fast-paced story.

Does the Book Include Any Romance?

While Starfish doesn’t focus on romance, it touches on relationships, especially family dynamics and self-love, which play significant roles in Ellie’s personal growth.

Will Starfish resonate with Adult Readers?

Yes, Starfish has universal themes of self-acceptance and overcoming adversity, making it a meaningful read for adult readers who enjoy middle-grade novels with depth and heart.