Stargirl (Readers Circle) | Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl (Readers Circle) | Jerry Spinelli | For Everyone

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Stargirl (Readers ...

	Stargirl (Readers Circle) Jerry Spinelli Laurel Leaf, 2004 - 208 pages average customer review:based on 885 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Stargirl Evaluation

The genre, contemporary realistic fiction, is very appropriate for this book. A struggle that most teenagers struggle with during school is how to fit in, and be popular. This book takes you on the journey of Leo and his own struggles and makes it very easy for students to relate to him. The plot of this story was very good, and made you want to keep reading. You felt the way that Leo and Stargirl did throughout the story and you emphasized with them as well. The language used is probably appropriate for High School students, and would be a great choice for a literacy circle discussion. The book that I have, has questions at the back for discussion, and would be a great way to get the students involved. Jerry Spinelli, the author of this book, writes very well and makes it an easy read, as you are pulled into Leo and Stargirl's life in High School. Although many of us do not have a "Stargirl" at our own schools, the problems the students face, are still current in schools, and anyone in High School could relate. It gives students the ability to recognize that being different is not always a bad thing, and you can always learn something from someone else.

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For Everyone

Almost every teen knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, and most teens also know what it feels like to feel popular for even a short amount of time. Many have had fights with friends and feel rejected by a person they have a crush on. And almost all adolescents struggle to figure out who they are. In Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli writes a touching story about a girl who goes through all these teen experiences, and overcomes a broken spirit and a broken heart. Though occasionally overly dramatic and sometimes unrealistic, Spinelli weaves a tale so compelling that the reader can almost see him or herself in the book.

A girl who calls herself Stargirl Caraway creates quite a buzz on the first day of school at Mica High School. She instantly sets herself apart from the other students by wearing a kimono, acting uniquely, and carrying around a pet rat in a bag with a sunflower on it. Each day, she plays "Happy Birthday" on her ukulele to a different student, and dances around the lunchroom in excitement. Some students begin to speculate that Stargirl is a plot by the school and administration to get students interested in school and to raise student spirit. Soon, they turn against her for being too different and too energetic. Disappointed on the inside, but not showing it on the outside, Stargirl continues her unique behaviors, and stays positive and energetic on the outside. Stargirl and her classmate Leo, who is also criticized by the rest of the school, develop a fast and deep friendship. They go through some tough times, and get into a heated argument. This argument is the last straw for Stargirl; she feels abandoned by the only person in the school who didn't look down at her. After the argument, Stargirl disappears and is replaced with Susan Caraway. Susan is a regular gum-chewing, jeans wearing high school student, who doesn't seem to care about very much. But Susan realizes that trying to blend in will not gain her the friendships and relationships she desires. The students are no nicer to her than they were before she transformed from Stargirl to Susan, and Leo does not ask her to the end of year dance.

In Susan's place, Stargirl arrives at the ball in a bright yellow gown. She leads the school in a bunny-hop dance. The dance ends in catastrophe, and Stargirl moves away. Still, she left her mark on the school, changing the lives of everyone there. Leo hopes everyday for her to return, but he never sees her again.

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli, is a wonderful and inspiring story about individuality, perseverance, and friendship. Any reader, from teens to adults can watch, experience, and empathize with Stairgirl's journey through the social scene. Any reader can relate to her feelings about love, friends, popularity, and individualism. And though Stargirl experiences the best and worst that a social scene has to offer, Spinelli doesn't leave the reader disappointed at the end. Stargirl sends Leo a reminder of their friendship, and all is forgiven. It is a must-read for anyone, teen or otherwise, looking for a place to belong or trying to discover him or herself.

Star Girl, by Jerry Spinelli. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2003.
208 pages
Fiction (realistic)
Reading Level: 6

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StarGirl by Jerri Spinnelli

At Mica Middle School there is a new girl named Stargirl, her parents called her Stargirl as if her name was a common name like Jennifer. She didn't know how to blend in, and sang songs like "happy birthday" with her Ukulele to people she didn't know. Stargirl tries to blend in by joining the cheerleading squad but cheers for both teams. Then comes Dory Dilson who had been the only person who hadn't deserted her, but tried to escape from Stargirl sometimes. She meets Leo Burlock who became her boy friend. He tried to convince her to act normal.
I found the book to lack a plot that would be interesting. I would however recommend this book to 3rd and 4th grade readers as they might find it fun and interesting to read about middle school life.
~ S Potarazu

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Stargirl for President

Stargirl, an entertaining book written by Jerry Spinelli and published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, is appropriate for ages eleven and up with a reading level of 6.1. You will soar through the 192 pages of this work of fiction as you read of the trials of being different in a teenage world of conformity.

Stargirl is a previously home-schooled new student at Mica Area High School in Arizona. She comes to school dressed in kimonos and flapper dresses. She brings her pet rat Cinnamon to school in her sunflower painted book bag. She sings "Happy Birthday" to students at lunch as she plays her ukulele. She is different but does not seem to be aware that she is. She captures the interest of all students, especially the narrator, Leo Borlock, who is intrigued by her bold and otherworldly behaviors.

At first, the other students at school are taken aback by Stargirl's strange actions. However, as the story unfolds we find that Stargirl's passion for life and compassion for others begins to rub off on her classmates. She becomes an honorary member of the cheerleading team and a boy comes to school with purple hair. This interest and acceptance can only last so long. When Stargirl decides to start cheering for the opposing team, her classmates shun her. Stargirl, with the help of her friend Leo, must find a way to fit in so that she can survive the cruelty of her peers. Sadly, the other students never truly accept Stargirl or her attempts to fit in. After a shocking exit at the end of year "ball", Stargirl leaves never to return.

Stargirl makes an effort to explore the ideas of being different and accepting others. However, the book lacks a sense of reality that teenagers crave today. It is hard to believe that this girl can just walk into school and be as bold as she is without any serious consequences. The book also lacks in character development. As the reader, you want to know more about what the other characters in the book really think about Stargirl. Even Leo, the narrator, is not truly exposed in his thoughts and feelings.

Despite the shortfalls of the book, Spinelli introduces you to a character that you can fall in love with. Stargirl will make you think and make you laugh aloud. Everything she stands for is what we all need a little more of in our lives. This book opens up a discussion for teenage readers and adults alike on what it means to be different and to truly love and accept others. It is an endearing story that will make you wish you knew a Stargirl or were one yourself. - Angela, first year teacher

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StarGirl 2008