Are you looking for a virtual bookish space to connect and share your love of books with? Look no further than Reader Rendezvous!
Visit the Reader Rendezvous webpage for more information about the book club, how to join, your hosts and the monthly reads.
DECEMBER BUDDY READ
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.
*Description from Goodreads.
Genre: Middle Grade novel-in-verse
Themes: fatphobia, body positivity, being comfortable taking up space, social support, bullying, standing up for yourself
Setting: Texas
Content Warnings: fatphobia, bullying, body shaming, emotional abuse, child abuse, toxic relationship, eating disorder, gaslighting, racism, medical content, xenophobia
Reading Breakdown:
Discord channels are organized by part to minimize spoilers and keep the chat going while reading.
Section 1: Just For a While - Let It Rip (pages 1~82)
Section 2: Sibling Bribery - Thanksgiving Prayer (pages 83~162)
Section 3: Odds Are - Room for Starfish (pages 163~244)
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