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Romance. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML:ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A modern-day classic from Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli, this beloved celebration of individuality is now an original movie on Disney+! And don't miss the author's highly anticipated new novel, Dead Wednesday! Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’ s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love. Don’t miss the sequel, Love, Stargirl, as well as The Warden’s Daughter, a novel about another girl who can't help but stand out. “Spinelli is a poet of the prepubescent. . . . No writer guides his young characters, and his readers, past these pitfalls and challenges and toward their futures with more compassion.” —The New York Times.… (more)
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This was a tough book to like. Stargirl was an interesting character, one who's individuality sparkles off the page so you can imagine every bit of her. On the other hand, I've never known any teenager that behaved like her because it was who they were, rather than a desire for attention. I'm not sure I agree that she's automatically to be admired for being different. Leo, on the other hand, seemed very real to me. I cringed about some of the choices he makes, all the while thinking, "Sure, I'd make a different choice now, but when I was in high school and unsure of myself and unsure of who I was, yeah, I would have done x." The story of his growing friendship with Stargirl is bittersweet, as she barely notices what others think, while Leo cares very, very much about his schoolmates' opinions. Maybe it didn't work for me because it felt more like a lesson than a story.
As a teacher this is a novel that has great morals. It is one that could teach students life lessons. One should not make fun of those who are different. No one is the same, and no one should try to be someone he or she is not. Always be true to who you are. A teacher might take her students, after finishing the novel, and get them to pick their own names as a fun activity.
I enjoyed the novel. I would like to read the rest when I get the opportunity. It made me realize that some people are really obsessed with being so normal and like everyone else that they change who they are. Today, however, everyone is so different yet just alike all at the same time. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to others.
Until Stargirl comes along.
Homeschooled for years, Stargirl defies categorization. She wears long, flowing pioneer dresses
Leo Borlock was perfectly happy with his generic Mica life. Then, against his will, he finds himself falling for Stargirl. The two share an incredible, eye-opening romance. In their own little world, everything is perfect and magical. But when they have to face their critical classmates, what will happen to their relationship?
This is by far Jerry Spinelli's best novel. It is a beautifully written story about nonconformity and the seeds of magic and quirkiness that we all possess, though we may not realize it. Readers will wish that they were friends with Stargirl. I was unsatisfied with the ending, but I understand why Spinelli would have ended the novel in that way. There is nothing I would change about this extremely touching and timeless story. I recommend this to everyone, regardless of their age.
Two important themes in this book are treating people with kindness and not judging people. Stargirl always went out of her way to do simple acts of kindness. She wanted everyone to be happy and always put others ahead of herself. A teacher should emphasize the importance of always helping others because it gives you a good feeling inside. Also, people today are very selfish, so it is great for students to learn how to be selfless and think of others. Students could discuss different ways to give back to the community or help others at the school. Also, students need to know the importance of not judging people simply by the way they look. Stargirl looked very strange to everyone at her school. She dressed completely different than everyone. The students did not know what to think of her at first, but they later learned that she truly had a heart of golf and meant well. She was unique; she was Stargirl. Students need to realize they may learn a great deal from other people they never dreamed they would associate with. Everyone has something to offer to other people, so it is important to have an open mind.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It really made me realize the importance of putting other people ahead of yourself. Stargirl never once thought of herself. She got great joy out of spending her Saturdays doing things for other people without them knowing she was the one who did it. She did not want credit for anything; she simply enjoyed making other people feel good inside. This book reminds me of a book I read in high school called The Five People You Meet in Heaven. These books remind me of each other because both of these books make the reader realize the true importance in life and how every person you meet has an impact on your life, whether you realize it at that moment or not. I feel like this book is a great book for young readers starting in about sixth grade. I would not go above seventh or eighth grade with this book. I feel like students would enjoy it because it is about adolescents and teaches good life lessons that students should learn about.
It's written in a simplistic and straight-forward manner, but out of nowhere, Spinelli bursts out with a stunning
Stargirl cares and believes in people. That's the underpinning strength throughout all of Stargirl's actions. I think this was the very bit of her that I found disbelieving or "out-of-this-world" - she seemed to have some supernatural gifts which allowed her to know everything about people. Her naivety (at first, I got the impression she was supernatural, magical, or beyond her years, at th every least - really, she's naive, but it's beautiful, ignorant naivety shining through) is beautiful and prescious.
You do grow to like Leo (the protagonist), despite his entire anonymous presence. You know very little of him from the beginning to the end, aside form his own connection with Stargirl via a necktie. In the end, you can't blame him from wanting Stargfirl to change, as opposed to accepting her, like, perhaps, many of us would do. I can empathise.
It's a very original story. Susan reinvents herself; she is noncomformity, individuality and freedom. Being homeschooled allowed her to grow up without the shado wof other people's opinions, without the awareness of other people's influence on her life, decisions and world. She's very happy this way. As I read more into the book, a wanting to be like Stargirl grew. But than the opposing thought formed; it made me realise that being so closed off to the world is maybe not the best idea, despite good intentions. It caused Stargirl to hurt, rather than feel welcomed into the Mica Area High School. I'm therefore not blaming Leo as the reason Stargirl was no longer wanted, or for his own dissociation with her.
Although aimed at the pre-teen crowd, I
This was a thought provoking and interesting book, although a little random at times.
Stargirl is a new student at Mica High and she doesn't fit in. She dresses in strange clothes, plays her ukelele and serenades students
Stargirl and Leo fall in love around the time that feelings turn against Stargirl. Suddenly her quirky all embracing ways are seen as traitorous to the school and she is shunned. Leo finds out the important question pretty early - Whose acceptance do you care about most? He loves Stargirl, he feels himself expanding in her presence and learning more about himself and the world, and yet he is embarrassed by some of her behaviours. In an attempt to fit his two worlds together, Leo educates Stargirl on how "everyone" behaves and she tries valiantly to conform. It is to no avail and finally Stargirl reverts to her old ways.
You can't please all the people all the time and if they think you are pandering to them, they will despise you.
Leo loses the most in this story but Stargirl, who is the true to herself person that all outcasts wish to be, is both glorious and painful.
This book is perfect for middle school students who are feeling both the glory of self-identification and the pressure to fit in.
As Leo and Stargirl's relationship blossoms, Stargirl's fans and followers begin to question her and push her away. Leo is torn between being a part of the group (the school) or a part of Stargirl's life... and slowly he realizes it is harder to give up his "status" within his peers than it is to give up Stargirl.
Stargirl is uninhibited and not bound by the conventions or expectations of the masses. She is impressionable, though only by those she cares about. Leo is like any of us, torn between that which makes him incredibly happy, and the comfort that comes with being normal and taking few risks. Leo is scared to embrace the unknown.
Stargirl and Leo represent two different takes on life. Stargirl embraces the great perhaps, while Leo is lost in the Labyrinth. Stargirl is motivated by the positive, magical and wonderful… Leo is motivated by the logical, practical and doubtful.
Though Leo feels the loss of Stargirl, I am not convinced he would embrace her as a friend and lover if she came back into his life. He has grown by the end of the story, he has more compassion, but the author does not convince me his motivation has changed. I think he would just want Stargirl to forgive him… he would want her acceptance, too.