Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those books that lands on school library shelves and quietly changes lives. Lisa Fipps doesn't sugarcoat the pain of being fat-shamed—by classmates, by family, by the entire culture—but she also doesn't make this a tragedy. Ellie's journey toward taking up space (literally and metaphorically) is hard-won and real.

The verse format is perfect here: punchy, emotional, easy to pick up and hard to put down. And unlike so many body-image books that end with weight loss as 'redemption,' this one actually challenges the premise. Ellie doesn't need to change her body; the world needs to change how it sees bodies.

It's heavy, yes. The mother's constant criticism is painful to read. The bullying is brutal. But the therapeutic framing (Ellie has a therapist!) and strong support system keep this from being misery porn. This is about resilience and finding your people.

Essential reading for middle schoolers, especially in our current moment when diet culture has just rebranded itself as 'wellness' and kids are drowning in filtered Instagram bodies. This book is the antidote.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14, right in the middle school sweet spot when body image issues peak and kids need this message most. The verse format makes it accessible for younger/struggling readers, while the emotional depth keeps older middle schoolers engaged.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Novel-in-verse tackles fat-shaming and bullying with emotional honesty while centering supportive relationships (dad, therapist, neighbor Catalina). Models self-acceptance and standing up to harmful 'Fat Girl Rules.' The mother's weight criticism is realistic but portrayed as harmful, not endorsed. Emotionally healthy arc toward self-worth.

Imaginative

72

The verse format and central starfish metaphor (stretching out, taking up space) offer creative storytelling. Swimming pool as safe space is evocative. However, this is primarily a realistic contemporary story about body image rather than fantastical world-building. Strong emotional imagination but limited in scope for creative exploration.

Safe

78

Deals with heavy themes (bullying, fat-shaming, family dysfunction) but in age-appropriate ways for middle grade. No graphic content, violence, or sexual material. The emotional content around body image and maternal criticism could be triggering for some kids struggling with similar issues, but it's handled with therapeutic framing (Ellie has a therapist). Overall safe but emotionally weighty.

Enriching

92

Printz Honor book that directly confronts diet culture and anti-fat bias—critically important topics for middle schoolers. Builds empathy, challenges harmful social norms, and models seeking support (therapy, allies). The 'Fat Girl Rules' device brilliantly exposes internalized oppression. Teaches self-advocacy and body acceptance. High emotional intelligence and real-world application.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Tackles fat-shaming and diet culture head-on with emotional honesty and therapeutic insight—this is the conversation too many kids need
The verse format makes heavy topics digestible; accessible for reluctant readers while still being literarily strong
Ellie's support system (dad, therapist, neighbor) models healthy relationships and the importance of finding your people
The 'Fat Girl Rules' device brilliantly exposes how kids internalize society's harmful messages
Swimming pool as sanctuary is a beautiful metaphor that works on multiple levels

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What to Watch For

The mother's constant weight criticism is realistic but tough—some kids may find it triggering if they're experiencing similar dynamics at home
Bullying scenes are emotionally intense, including public humiliation and family members joining in
This is not a 'weight loss success story'—it's about acceptance, which might challenge families still caught in diet culture
Best read with some adult availability for processing, especially for kids dealing with body image struggles

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about Ellie's 'Fat Girl Rules'? Have you ever made up rules like that for yourself, even about different things?"
"Why do you think Ellie's mom acts the way she does? Does understanding someone's reasons make their behavior okay?"
"What makes the pool feel safe for Ellie? Where's your place that feels like that?"
"How did Catalina help Ellie see herself differently? Who are the people in your life who see the real you?"

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