Starfish

Ellie is a young girl who has lived by a set of "Fat Girl Rules" since her fifth birthday party, a mental list designed to make her invisible and minimize the space she occupies. She faces relentless bullying about her weight from her peers and even her own mother, who pressures her to undergo weight-loss surgery. Through sessions with a therapist, Ellie begins to challenge the notion that her physical size dictates her value. Written in verse, the narrative follows her as she learns to "starfish" by unapologetically stretching out and reclaiming her rightful space in the world.

This book serves middle-grade readers and educators looking for a realistic portrayal of fatphobia and body shaming. It provides a direct look at the psychological impact of family-driven criticism and the importance of setting boundaries with toxic individuals. Readers walk away with a vocabulary for self-advocacy and a clearer understanding of how to separate their self-worth from societal beauty standards. It offers specific strategies for building confidence despite a hostile environment.