Starfish — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
“In her debut novel, Starfish, Lisa Fipps confronts diet culture and fat phobia head-on. . . . The book reads as if Ellie herself is writing these poems, which are accessible and engaging.”—The New York Times Book Review
Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she's been bullied about her weight. To cope, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules—like "no making waves," "avoid eating in public," and "don't move so fast that your body jiggles." And she's found her safe space—her swimming pool—where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants. It's also where she can get away from her pushy mom, who thinks criticizing Ellie's weight will motivate her to diet. Fortunately, Ellie has allies in her dad, her therapist, and her new neighbor, Catalina, who loves Ellie for who she is. With this support buoying her, Ellie might finally be able to cast aside the Fat Girl Rules and starfish in real life--by unapologetically being her own fabulous self.
Frequently asked questions
Is Starfish appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book includes verbal abuse in the form of bullying and rejection, which is described as intensely cruel. There is also a physical incident where peers remove bolts from a desk, causing it to collapse on the protagonist, resulting in minor injury. The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. While it addresses serious themes of bullying and self-advocacy, it is ultimately a story of healing and empowerment.
Does Starfish have violence?
The book includes verbal abuse in the form of bullying and rejection, which is described as intensely cruel. There is also a physical incident where peers remove bolts from a desk, causing it to collapse on the protagonist, resulting in minor injury.
Does Starfish have scary content?
The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. While it addresses serious themes of bullying and self-advocacy, it is ultimately a story of healing and empowerment.
Does Starfish have religious themes?
The book features a character who is half-Jewish and half-Christian, with references to both religions. This aspect is mentioned in the context of the character's family background and cultural identity.
Does Starfish have racial/cultural content?
The book briefly touches on issues of anti-immigrant bias and racism, indicating that these themes are part of the narrative. However, the primary focus remains on fatphobia and self-acceptance.
Does Starfish have profanity?
The book contains no swearing or crude language. It is described as appropriate for its target audience without any concerns regarding profanity.
Does Starfish have climate change?
There are no themes related to climate or environmental issues present in the book. The narrative centers on personal struggles with body image and bullying.
Does Starfish have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The narrative focuses on themes of self-acceptance and bullying without any romantic or sexual elements.
Does Starfish have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It focuses on the protagonist's experiences with bullying and self-acceptance rather than exploring traditional or modern gender roles.
Does Starfish have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters explicitly mentioned in the book. The focus is primarily on anti-fat bias, bullying, and self-acceptance, with no indication of LGBTQ+ representation.
