We need more books like Starfish in the world. Heartbreaking but in the best way. I love seeing characters find their voice and taking up all the room in the world that they want. Starfish is filled with honest hurtful situations, messy family, good friends and a great lead character. I love the novel-in-verse format. It makes for an easy read, and flows so quickly but nothing is lost. I love Ellie, a like-able, relatable, sixth grade girl trying to fit in with her family and in school. She has been beat down by mean family, classmates, doctors and others but she finds her place and a way to love herself most of all. I love her spreading out like a starfish, taking her space in the world and doing it without lashing out at others. We could learn to all be a little more like Ellie. "As I float, I spread out my arms and my legs. I'm a starfish, taking up all the room I want." I would love for this to be required reading at schools. Thank you for a copy of this book, I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to share it with others!