STARFISH (ToolKit)
Lisa Fipps
Age Rec: 4th-9th Grades
Themes: Overweight, Bullying, Therapy, Friendships, Standing Up For Yourself
This book truly packs a punch. In a fast-paced and heartfelt read, it delivers powerful lessons in empathy that should be required reading. Written in verse, we meet Ellie - a girl who wants to be seen for who she is, not defined by her size. Bullied at school, criticized at home by her mom and siblings, and judged by strangers and medical professionals, Ellie internalizes the pain and anger inflicted by others. After making a big splash cannonballing into the pool at her 5th birthday, Ellie earns the nickname, “Splash” from her sister. Who could have imagined this unwelcome name would stick for years to come? Despite the negative connotations, and the frequent comparisons to a whale, the pool remains the only place where Ellie feels like herself.
After enduring unimaginable bullying at school, including an incident when a cruel classmate removes the screws from her desk causing her to crash to the floor and get entangled in bent metal, Ellie seeks a safe place. For many, home offers comfort. But not for Ellie. Her only ally at home is her father. After a long history of being judged and made to feel lesser by doctors, Ellie is skeptical when her dad suggests she see a therapist. Surprisingly, “Doc”, as the therapist is called, quickly earns Ellie’s trust.
This book is a quick yet powerful read that tugs at the heart strings. It challenges readers to reflect on how they treat and perceive people in larger bodies, encouraging a deeper understanding and compassion. After all, we all deserve to take up space – no matter our size.
Lisa Fipps
Age Rec: 4th-9th Grades
Themes: Overweight, Bullying, Therapy, Friendships, Standing Up For Yourself
This book truly packs a punch. In a fast-paced and heartfelt read, it delivers powerful lessons in empathy that should be required reading. Written in verse, we meet Ellie - a girl who wants to be seen for who she is, not defined by her size. Bullied at school, criticized at home by her mom and siblings, and judged by strangers and medical professionals, Ellie internalizes the pain and anger inflicted by others. After making a big splash cannonballing into the pool at her 5th birthday, Ellie earns the nickname, “Splash” from her sister. Who could have imagined this unwelcome name would stick for years to come? Despite the negative connotations, and the frequent comparisons to a whale, the pool remains the only place where Ellie feels like herself.
After enduring unimaginable bullying at school, including an incident when a cruel classmate removes the screws from her desk causing her to crash to the floor and get entangled in bent metal, Ellie seeks a safe place. For many, home offers comfort. But not for Ellie. Her only ally at home is her father. After a long history of being judged and made to feel lesser by doctors, Ellie is skeptical when her dad suggests she see a therapist. Surprisingly, “Doc”, as the therapist is called, quickly earns Ellie’s trust.
This book is a quick yet powerful read that tugs at the heart strings. It challenges readers to reflect on how they treat and perceive people in larger bodies, encouraging a deeper understanding and compassion. After all, we all deserve to take up space – no matter our size.
Lisa Fipps
Age Rec: 4th-9th Grades
Themes: Overweight, Bullying, Therapy, Friendships, Standing Up For Yourself
This book truly packs a punch. In a fast-paced and heartfelt read, it delivers powerful lessons in empathy that should be required reading. Written in verse, we meet Ellie - a girl who wants to be seen for who she is, not defined by her size. Bullied at school, criticized at home by her mom and siblings, and judged by strangers and medical professionals, Ellie internalizes the pain and anger inflicted by others. After making a big splash cannonballing into the pool at her 5th birthday, Ellie earns the nickname, “Splash” from her sister. Who could have imagined this unwelcome name would stick for years to come? Despite the negative connotations, and the frequent comparisons to a whale, the pool remains the only place where Ellie feels like herself.
After enduring unimaginable bullying at school, including an incident when a cruel classmate removes the screws from her desk causing her to crash to the floor and get entangled in bent metal, Ellie seeks a safe place. For many, home offers comfort. But not for Ellie. Her only ally at home is her father. After a long history of being judged and made to feel lesser by doctors, Ellie is skeptical when her dad suggests she see a therapist. Surprisingly, “Doc”, as the therapist is called, quickly earns Ellie’s trust.
This book is a quick yet powerful read that tugs at the heart strings. It challenges readers to reflect on how they treat and perceive people in larger bodies, encouraging a deeper understanding and compassion. After all, we all deserve to take up space – no matter our size.