Starfish 1

"Starfish" by Lisa Phipps is a Prince Honor Book from 2022. It tells the story of 12-year-old Ellie who loves swimming, her dog, and her best friend. However, her best friend is moving away due to her parents' divorce, which breaks Ellie's heart. She also faces fat-shaming from her family and bullying at school. The novel shows Ellie learning to love herself, stand up to those who mistreat her, and make new friendships. The book promotes finding one's voice and diversity. It is a beautiful example of friendship fiction with opportunities for social-emotional learning. Starfish by Lisa Phipps is a Prince Honor Book from 2022. The conferring organization is YALSA. The Prince Award is given to a book that embodies literary greatness among young adult literature. When 12 year old Ellie thinks of the things she loves, she loves swimming, she loves her dog, a little pug, and she loves hanging out with her best friend. But she soon finds out that her best friend is moving away due to her parents divorce and it breaks her heart. Other things she doesn't love are being fat shamed by her family and bullied by kids at school. This beautiful novel written in verse shows the story of 12 year old Ellie learning to love herself, stand up to the people who treat her poorly, and make beautiful friendships. Some reading motivators for this book might be finding your own voice as Ellie finds hers and promoting diversity. And this is a beautiful example of friendship fiction where SEL components could be tucked into learning.