Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Starfish by Lisa Fipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This middle grade novel in verse is a must read for all- students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors. Ellie has been bullied in thoughts, words, and actions since she was five and what makes it worse is that her family is complicit. Having a large best friend in Viv has been her savior but Viv is moving away. As Ellie's mom rachets up her agenda for gastric bypass surgery, her psychiatrist father takes her to see a therapist. Lisa Fipps really knows how to show the reader Ellie's beautiful tortured soul and fragile self. Together with her therapist and new next door neighbor, Catalina and her whole family---Ellie's journey to confronting her bullies, her family, and herself is so important. A gripping novel in verse sprinkled with hope, honesty, and strength will pack a punch all readers need! Highly recommended!

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Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I have loved and continued to think about Willow Chance in Holly Goldberg Sloan's Counting by 7s, I am so in love with hilarious Julia Marks and will continue to think about her as such a special individual (her love and continued sorrow over losing her beloved dog, Ramon tore me us), thoughtful but also inwardly thinking about herself (what middle school child doesn't think self-centeredly about themselves?), funny, honest, and likable youngster who is a mover and a shaker. Julia is small, don't dare call her short, and now her mom has gone and signed her (and brother, Randy) up to audition for The Wizard of Oz. Thinking her summer was going to be a bust; Julia and Randy thrive as munchkins, Julia really takes to the director, Shawn Barr, who is always excited about everything to do with the show. Julia enjoys Olive, a self assured dwarf who partners with Olive for the show. Even more surprising, Julia becomes enthralled with neighbor, Mrs. Chang- her house is unbelievable- she has "cool stuff" an animal puppet collection, a coffee table made out of silverware, and a life-size buffalo made out of buttons...and Mrs. Chang has been in theatre and offers to make the munchkin and flying monkey costumes, as long as she can also be a flying monkey. As Julia becomes immersed in this summer theatre, her world changes, she changes, and the people she meets become role models re-shaping Julia. LOVED this book, just like I LOVED Counting by 7s. I can't wait for more impressive Holly Goldberg Sloan books, kids, teens, adults must all read -laugh and love the irrepressible Julia Marks!

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