A Shining Star

Stargirl

by Jerry Spinelli

Summary

Mica Area High School has never seen anything like Stargirl. Everything about her, from the way she dresses to her unrelenting positivity, makes her a target for the curiosity and criticism of her peers. She says hello to strangers in the hallways, sings “Happy Birthday” to her peers, and leaves candy on the desks of her homeroom class on holidays. Among those watching her every move is Jerry Spinelli’s narrator, junior Leo Borlock. While he watches Stargirl’s unique behavior in disbelief, Leo begins to realize that she is a real individual, and unlike any other at Mica.

When Stargirl tells Leo about her feelings for him, he must not only decipher the pangs of first love, but confront his own insecurities about conformity and popularity. While Stargirl appears immune to the sneers and judgmental glares of her peers, Leo is not so confident, and his experience leaves readers with many questions to ponder about love, friendship, happiness and being true to oneself.

Worth staying up past bedtime?

I stayed up past bedtime more than once in an effort to delay putting down Stargirl. During the days I was reading it, and in the days that followed, I could not get this book out of my head. Stargirl is someone you want to know, or maybe even emulate. She is strangely admirable, and her genuine regard for others is endearing. Stargirl is about the emphasis our society puts on conformity, and what happens when someone chooses to walk their own path. Spinelli does a wonderful job of posing questions and observations about these issues, leaving the reader mulling over their own thoughts long after turning the last page.

Reviews

“Part fairy godmother, part outcast, part dream-come-true, the star of Spinelli's novel shares many of the mythical qualities as the protagonist of his Maniac Magee. Spinelli poses searching questions about loyalty to one's friends and oneself and leaves readers to form their own answers.” - Publishers Weekly

“A magical and heartbreaking tale.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred

An ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults

In the library

One of Stargirl’s traits is making homemade cards for people around the town of Mica. Following a classroom or library reading, direct students to a card-making station complete with construction paper, pens and decorations. Encourage them to make a card for someone for no particular reason - an “I’m thinking about you” card or a “thanks for being a great friend” card.

For a more serious activity, ask students about what it means to be unique and how they choose (or don’t choose) to express their own individuality. Talk about why Stargirl was ostracized for her behavior, and ask if students think it’s better to conform and be accepted or remain true to one’s own desires.

SLIS 5420

Module 7

Week of Oct. 12-17