Picture an American storyteller who turned personal pain into powerful poetry—meet Lisa Fipps! This former journalist and middle-grade novelist captured hearts with her debut, Starfish, a novel-in-verse that tackles body image and self-acceptance with raw honesty. Fipps’s knack for crafting relatable, emotionally resonant stories has made her a rising star in juvenile fiction, inspiring young readers to embrace their authentic selves.
With a career spanning journalism and library marketing, Fipps brings a unique perspective to her writing. Her stories, often drawn from her own experiences, blend humor, heartache, and hope, creating a safe space for kids navigating tough issues. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this remarkable author!
The Making of Lisa Fipps
Born and raised in Indiana, Lisa Fipps grew up in a world where stories were her refuge. A graduate of Ball State University, she honed her craft as an award-winning journalist, developing a keen ear for authentic dialogue and vivid character descriptions. Her pivot to library marketing, where she won the Sara Laughlin marketing award, sharpened her ability to connect with audiences—a skill that shines in her writing. Fipps’s love for art, music, and travel also fuels her creative process, infusing her stories with eclectic, vibrant energy.
Her shift to writing middle-grade fiction wasn’t planned but felt inevitable. Inspired by her own childhood struggles with bullying and body image, Fipps set out to create the kind of book she wished she’d had as a kid. This personal drive became the heartbeat of her literary career, transforming her into a voice for young readers seeking validation and courage.
Lisa Fipps’s Unforgettable Stories
Fipps burst onto the literary scene with Starfish (2021), a novel-in-verse that follows Ellie, an eleven-year-old girl navigating fat-shaming from peers, family, and even her mother. Written with poignant, accessible poetry, the book draws from Fipps’s own experiences, offering a raw yet hopeful look at self-acceptance. Starfish earned widespread acclaim, including the 2022 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award, and has been translated into multiple languages, touching readers worldwide.
In 2024, Fipps released her second novel-in-verse, And Then, BOOM!, which continues her signature blend of emotional depth and lyrical storytelling. While less is known about this newer work, early buzz suggests it tackles resilience and personal growth with the same heart and authenticity. Fipps’s writing style—sparse yet powerful—uses free verse to mirror the inner lives of her characters, making complex emotions accessible to young readers. Her themes of body positivity, friendship, and standing up to bullies resonate deeply, earning her a loyal following among educators and kids alike.
Beyond her published works, Fipps is reportedly crafting several more novels, each promising to explore new facets of the middle-grade experience. Her ability to weave personal truth into universal stories sets her apart, making her a vital voice in contemporary juvenile fiction.
Why Lisa Fipps Matters
Lisa Fipps’s impact goes beyond her books. By addressing fatphobia and bullying head-on, she’s sparked crucial conversations about body image and self-worth in middle-grade literature—a genre often hesitant to tackle such topics. Her work empowers young readers to reject societal pressures and embrace their identities, offering a lifeline to those who feel unseen. Educators and librarians praise her for normalizing therapy and self-advocacy, while her author visits to schools across the U.S., Canada, and China have inspired thousands of kids to find their own voices.
Fipps’s legacy is still unfolding, but her contribution to body-positive storytelling is undeniable. She’s not just writing books; she’s changing how young people see themselves and others, one verse at a time.
About Lisa Fipps
- Birthplace: Indiana, USA
- Key Works: Starfish (2021), And Then, BOOM! (2024)
- Awards: 2022 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award, Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor Book
- Fun Fact: Fipps collects rocks from her travels to spark storytelling inspiration!
Snag Starfish and dive into Lisa Fipps’s heartfelt, poetic world! Her stories are a reminder to take up space and shine, no matter what.