April 16, 2021 - This month, to celebrate National Poetry Month I’m going to be sharing a novel verse each week. Today I am going to read the first twenty three pages of Starfish by Lisa Fipps. Stay tuned to the end, because after I read, I’ll be having a conversation with the author about her debut book and writing process.
Book blurb: Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant debut novel-in-verse. 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.
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
Wanna say thanks and fuel future creations? Buy me a virtual cup of coffee for making this (and many other!) amazing free video resources for your classroom. Click here → https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
Want to increase student engagement? Try these First Chapter Friday worksheets, with both generic response and novel specific sheets for each video in this playlist! Grab them here → https://bit.ly/fcfstudentengagementsheets
Grab your copy of Starfish at your local bookstore or here: https://amzn.to/3x1dTCC
Scoop up a FREE motivational quote poster set for your classroom here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
Check out all of my educational resources in my virtual city WordNerdopolis’ school! www.amandazieba.com/school
And finally, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE this channel for more great videos from the Word Nerd! Just click here: https://bit.ly/wordnerdonyoutube
#firstchapterfriday #novelinverse #lisafipps #wordnerd #mgbooks #starfish #bodyawareness
Book blurb: Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it in this poignant debut novel-in-verse. 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.
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
Wanna say thanks and fuel future creations? Buy me a virtual cup of coffee for making this (and many other!) amazing free video resources for your classroom. Click here → https://ko-fi.com/amandazieba_thewordnerd
Want to increase student engagement? Try these First Chapter Friday worksheets, with both generic response and novel specific sheets for each video in this playlist! Grab them here → https://bit.ly/fcfstudentengagementsheets
Grab your copy of Starfish at your local bookstore or here: https://amzn.to/3x1dTCC
Scoop up a FREE motivational quote poster set for your classroom here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
Check out all of my educational resources in my virtual city WordNerdopolis’ school! www.amandazieba.com/school
And finally, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE this channel for more great videos from the Word Nerd! Just click here: https://bit.ly/wordnerdonyoutube
#firstchapterfriday #novelinverse #lisafipps #wordnerd #mgbooks #starfish #bodyawareness