Starfish Hardcover – March 9, 2021

I first heard about this book through a Facebook ad. I was a bit hesitant to read it for a couple reasons: I am WAY older than the intended audience and I wasn’t too sure about the prose as verse writing style.But this book tugged at my heart strings. I was bullied in elementary and middle school as well. I was pinched, hit, and kicked. My books were knocked out of my hands. I was called Brace Face and 4 Eyes. Rumors were spread about me. It was pretty much non stop from the time I started school until I left for the day. My parents had no idea how bad it got. It was numerous different people. Trying to stand up to the bullies or protect myself did no good. So after awhile o just took it. I wasn’t bullied for my weight. But bullying is painful regardless.I am also a writer and a poet. So I definitely related to Ellie that way. I also have a very complicated relationship with my mother.I also love how this book portrays going to counseling as something normal. No different than going to a doctor for a physical problem. I learned a lot from sitting in on Ellie’s therapy sessions. I also love her friendship with Catalina and how she and her family accept Ellie no questions asked.I also love that Ellie has a pug. I love pugs so much, so I loved that part of the story.It was so encouraging to see Ellie learn to love and accept herself. She learns to reclaim her power. She refuses to let the bullies or her mother determine her worth. Even though this is technically a children’s book, I think it should be required reading for everyone regardless of age. I love this book so much. It will stay with me for a long time.

Starfish is a sad , but wonderful book about a young girl coming of age. It is so sad, that people find the need to bully and talk badly about others so that people won’t see their short comings. Where were the teachers and other school personnel when all of this bulling took place? It’s a shame that anyone has to go through that type of sadness.

It's awesome and has amazing poetry about being yourself even when it's hard. That is why I gave it a five star rating. In conclusion, it's the greatest poetry book ever!!!!!!!

I read this book, because it was recommended to me by a friend. At first, I thought it was just a book of poems (not that there's anything wrong with that, but I was in the mood for prose). To my delight, it's a narrative written in a poetic form! It is an easy and intense read. As a 6th grade teacher, I highly encourage you to purchase this book for the preteen in your life.

I devoured this book in less than 3 hours. The story is about an overweight preteen and her struggles with bullying from classmates and her family. It was eye-opening how mean people can be. Even though it is fiction, the author says it is taken from her experience. The coping techniques could apply to any population of bullied people. I'm so glad I saw it recommended in a Facebook group because I never would have picked it up on my own.

Oh my heart!! 💙 This book! It ripped it out and then put it back together better than it was before.Ellie Elizabeth Montgomery-Hofstein is fat. She’s known this since she was four years old when her mom put her on her first diet. 😢She’s almost twelve now and she’s been bullied by family and friends for years. But with the help of her new friend Catalina,her father and her therapist, she learns that she doesn’t have to make herself small. She is worthy of taking up space in this world (starfishing).This middle grade novel in verse pulled at my heartstrings. The writing is beautiful and poetic. I cried with Ellie and cheered for her as she began to find her power. I was a chubby middle schooler and had mean things done and said to me by both family and kids at school. I knew Ellie’s pain. This book is for all who are bullied, all who bully and all who believe that their worth is based on their physical appearance. I hope that this book will be read in classrooms everywhere!Oh, and please don’t skip the authors note at the end!

Every young person should read this book. Words have power, and often we forget that. The power to speak life and death lies in the tongue. This book is a perfect example of why empathy and kindness are far too scarce today. GET YOUR CHILD THIS BOOK.

This was a fantastic book. It was a quick read but powerful words and important message. It’s difficult to believe how cruel some people are as they bully others about their weight. This was written so well.

Written in verse, STARFISH is a fast read 'cause even when it comes to tough topics like bullying and fat-shaming, it does so in such a unique way that you quickly connect with Ellie, the protagonist, and the way she copes with the painful situations in her life. It is very hurtful to realize that sometimes insecurities and fears are born at home, the place where we should feel protected and loved. I am sure that both Ellie and her story will remain in my heart forever. A magnificent debut novel by Lisa Flipps. ⭐️

My daughter enjoy reading the book

I wish books like this were out when I was a kid, this book is so cute and powerful. The reading comprehension is not too hard, the pages are small and would be very great for students in middle school and high school. It’s really enjoyable.

This book is excellent for addressing body shaming in a non threatening way!

A little slow