Where was this book when I was a child. As a 46-year-old woman I am all in my feels about a book that makes me 11 again. I am lucky that I did not have Ellie‘s mother, but my aunt and my grandmother were just like her. Ellie is a girl who is not small. She’s been big all her life. She’s been picked on by people at school, people in neighborhood, and even her mother. This constant referring of “you could be pretty if you lost weight”. “Your problems are your own because you’re fat”.” We could love you and like you more if you weren’t big”. If you have a big girl in your life they need this book. Whether they’re two years old or 102 years old. This novel in free verse is written with love and compassion and hope and bravery. The best thing about this book is how happy it leaves you feeling at the end. Happy and knowing that Ellie will most likely be OK. Because she’s learned to stand up for herself. She learns to let others know that their behavior affects more than just them. I loved Ellie in the story. I understand the idea of star fishing and just floating. At age 11,  I was in Alaska and the pool was my best friend. So much to not only like but to love about this book no matter your age, no matter your size. It moves quickly, so quickly that you’re done before you had a chance to fully live out the message in the pages. I love everything about this book and it will probably be one of my favorite books of the year.