Young Adult Book -- Novel in Verse -- Starfish by Lisa Fipps

 Starfish

by Lisa Fipps

Category: Novel in Verse

Summary

Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a powerful novel in verse that follows Ellie, a young girl who has been bullied about her weight for as long as she can remember. The story delves into her experiences navigating friendships, family relationships, and self-acceptance, all while trying to find her voice and claim her space in the world. Written in a raw and relatable tone, the book beautifully captures the emotional depth of Ellie’s struggles and triumphs. Fipps' poetic style makes the story flow effortlessly, creating an immersive reading experience that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant.

Justification

Starfish is an accessible yet profound novel in verse that speaks to issues many young adult readers face, such as self-esteem, bullying, and navigating friendships. The lyrical style makes it a quick and engaging read, even for reluctant readers, while the honest and relatable story line ensures an emotional connection. The themes of body image and self-acceptance are particularly relevant in today’s society, where young people—especially girls—often feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. This book provides a necessary and empowering perspective, making it an excellent choice for young adults.

Reader Response 

As a woman, I deeply related to Ellie’s journey with body image and self-confidence. Her struggles with bullying and self-acceptance took me back to my own experiences in high school, trying to fit in while feeling judged for my appearance. Fipps' depiction of Ellie’s emotions felt so authentic that I couldn’t help but connect with her, and I know many readers will feel the same. Initially, I was hesitant about the novel-in-verse format, as poetry isn’t always my preferred style, but Fipps’ writing completely changed my perspective. The verse format flowed beautifully, making the story both lyrical and deeply engaging. I found myself flying through the pages, unable to put the book down. Lines like “I am a starfish. I deserve to take up space.” resonated powerfully, making Ellie’s journey feel not just personal but also universal. Overall, I adored this book and would absolutely read more from Lisa Fipps. Starfish is an emotional, beautifully written novel that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. I would recommend it to anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt, as well as to educators and parents looking for an insightful, compassionate book for young readers. Without hesitation—yes, yes, yes!

References

Fipps, L. (2021). Starfish. Nancy Paulsen Books.