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Stargirl

Name: Stargirl
ISBN: 9781841219165

by Jerry Spinelli

7.54 / 10 339K ratings

Language: English
Published: 2001
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 9781841219165

Leo Borlock is content to follow the unspoken rule at Mica Area High School: don't stand out. Then Stargirl arrives. After 15 years of being homeschooled, she enters tenth grade in a burst of color and sound, carrying a ukulele and her pet rat, Cinnamon. She sings "Happy Birthday" to strangers in the cafeteria, leaves anonymous gifts, and cheers for both teams at sporting events. The students of Mica High are mesmerized by her, and she sparks a revolution of individuality and school spirit. Leo, captivated by her every move, finds himself falling in love.

At first, the school celebrates Stargirl for everything that makes her different. But just as quickly as they embraced her, the student body turns on her. The very qualities that made her popular now make her an outcast. Panicked by the shunning and desperate for acceptance, Leo is caught in the middle. He urges her to become the one thing that could destroy her: normal. The story that unfolds is a tense and emotional exploration of the fleeting nature of popularity, the pressures of conformity, and the exhilarating, heartbreaking experience of first love.

Genres: Fiction › Romance
Themes: Love Family Coming of age School & education Identity & belonging › Outsiders
Where and when: Arizona
Style: Form: Comics Form: Letters Form: Diaries Audience: Young adult Audience: Middle grade

Original edition

Stargirl

Originally published in 2000 English Knopf Books for Young Readers

Other editions (93)

What other readers say

Liked

Reviews for Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli frequently praise it as a timeless classic, vibrant and memorable, that speaks deeply to readers. Many found the book to be a compelling and uplifting read, highlighting powerful messages about individuality, nonconformity, kindness, and daring to be different. Stargirl herself is often described as a magical, unique, and genuinely kind character who inspires readers to appreciate the little things and embrace their true selves. The narrative style is appreciated for its simplicity and sincerity, with Spinelli's writing capturing the fascination with the main character and creating a rich, engaging experience that many found hard to put down. The story’s exploration of social conventions and its ability to make readers want to be better people were also consistently noted as strong positives.

Disliked

However, some readers expressed conflicted feelings, particularly regarding the character of Stargirl. While admired for her unique qualities, she was also perceived by some as too perfect, unrealistic, or embodying the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" trope. Her actions, intended as kind, were sometimes seen as inconsiderate or intrusive, such as serenading shy individuals or making gestures that felt more about her than the recipient. Critics also pointed out that the portrayal of high school social dynamics, particularly the rapid shifts in popularity and universal shunning, felt unrealistic or simplified, akin to a grade schooler's imagination of high school. Concerns were also raised about the narrator's passivity and the book's message occasionally feeling heavy-handed or overtly didactic. A few reviewers found the writing style to be simplistic, repetitive, or even boring, while others were put off by certain peculiar scenes.

In short

Overall, Stargirl is a book that evokes strong reactions, proving to be a thought-provoking exploration of individuality versus conformity. It is highly recommended for middle schoolers and teenagers who are grappling with peer pressure or seeking inspiration to be true to themselves. Readers who appreciate heartwarming stories with a clear moral message, unique characters, and a narrative that encourages self-reflection will likely find much to enjoy. While some may find aspects of the story or characters less realistic, its enduring themes and emotional impact resonate deeply with a broad audience, making it a memorable read for those who feel young at heart.

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