Citation: Fipps, L. (2021). Starfish (J. Lamina, Narr). [Audiobook]. Penguin Young Readers.
I actually really enjoyed this audiobook provided by the library, as the reading by Jenna Lamina puts excellent emphasis on Ellie's thoughts and interactions, especially on the cutting words said to Ellie about her weight. Listening to it makes it more like a movie than a book.
As a fat girl, Ellie has had to face a lot of straight-up hatred over her body from others and then, from herself. This includes fat shaming from her mother, which is deeply harmful to Ellie on many different levels. She follows her "Five Rules for Fat Girls" and is obviously struggling with her body and crumbling relationship with her mother.
This was a great listen, however some of the bullying and abuse is a lot to handle. This is certainly aimed towards a mature reader, one who can deal with some of the abuse hurled at Ellie from all angles (especially her demeaning self-talk). It would be best to have an older person read alongside, or else be ready for conversations about body image (and how being fat is ok! And absolutely natural!), as well as bullying, family abuse, and relationships. Although I listened to this, it is also written in verse.
Check out our review of the print edition here.