Episode 14: ”Starfish” by: Lisa Fipps

Hey there teachers, in the classroom and those at home, need someone to help you get the kids into reading?    Join me in this week's episode while I read aloud the first three verses of "Starfish" by: Lisa Fipps.   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.   If you enjoyed this first chapter please screenshot today's episode and share it on your IG stories and tag me @booktastingspodcast.   Want to keep reading?? Here is a click to buy the book: Starfish.   Loved this book and interested in seeing what else this author has written follow this link to their website, Lisa Fipps.    Enjoy, Anne