Stargirl Review
StargirlÂ
Jerry SpinelliÂ
Porcupine neckties, birthday songs, and small violet plants can all be traced back to one person: Stargirl. When a quirky, previously homeschooled girl who calls herself “Stargirl'' starts attending Mica High, the normal high school atmosphere is thrown into a frenzy. Years later, Leo Borlock recounts how over the course of one school year Stargirl made a difference in everyone’s lives. Spinelli does a stellar job at creating a story that captures the nature of high school and still holds up over twenty years later. While there are very few characters that are described in great detail, the main two characters are given depth and unique quirks that make them both feel human. Stargirl especially is fleshed out and very distinct, giving readers a clear picture of who she is based on Leo’s descriptions and her own actions within the story. Both characters have clear story arcs that are relatable and can serve as a lesson to readers. Intertwined throughout the entire story are themes of being different from those around you. Through Leo the story touches on the struggle of wanting to blend in and be accepted by your peers while also standing out within a crowd. Through him, readers can realize that wanting to be accepted and to belong within a group of peers is a normal feeling. Meanwhile, Stargirl serves as a direct contrast to the rest of the students at Mica High, who for the most part blend into the background and have no distinguishable differences between one another. For the majority of the story Stargirl is unapologetically herself despite the constant ridicule and whispers amongst students at school. While her popularity fluctuates, the overall idea that it is okay to be different and pursue what makes you happy is demonstrated through Stargirl. She also is a good example of a character who is selfless and does things for the satisfaction of making others happy, rather than gaining recognition for herself. This can be important to readers and easily incorporated into a classroom setting as a lesson about kindness and serving one's community. This novel has a sequel, Love Stargirl, and two movies based off of these stories. Overall, Stargirl is a great coming of age novel that all readers will get something out of.Â
BIBLIO: 2000, Scholastic Inc., Ages 10 up, $3.99.Â
REVIEWER: Jessica HummelÂ
FORMAT: Young AdultÂ
ISBN: 0-439-48840-0










