Starfish

In this first novel-in-verse, Ellie takes action because she is sick of being made fun of for her weight.

Ellie has been the target of weight-related bullying ever since she made a great impression at her fifth birthday party by sporting a whale bikini. She attempts to abide by the "no making waves," "avoid eating in public," and "don't move so fast that your body jiggles" Fat Girl Rules as a coping mechanism. In a society that is fixated on overweight, she has also discovered her safe haven—her swimming pool—where she feels weightless. She can spread out like a starfish in the water and occupy as much space as she pleases. She can also avoid her controlling mother there, who believes that making fun of Ellie's weight will encourage her to follow a diet. Thankfully, Ellie has supporters in her father, her therapist, and Catalina, her new neighbor, who accepts Ellie for who she is. With this encouragement, Ellie may be able to finally put the starfish and Fat Girl Rules aside and simply be her amazing self in real life.