Starfish

When friends and family bully the young protagonist about her weight, she must learn to navigate the abuse. But with the help of some supportive adults and a couple of friends, she learns to express her feelings and accept herself for who she is. A story written in verse, it allows young people to think about how they can express their feelings and explore strategies to manage them. In the classroom, the book may be used to explore themes of bullying, self-respect, identity, confidence, and friendship. Teachers may use it to encourage class discussions about standing up for oneself, the responsibilities of a bystander, and strategies for taking action.