Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Spinelli, Jerry. Stargirl.
Laurel Leaf. 2004 (2000).
ISBN: 8780440416777
$6.99. Paperback. 208 pages.

Readers Annotation
Uniquely individual, Stargirl has everyone talking, but it isn’t all good. Can Leo resist the peer pressure to dump the girl he likes just so he can fit in?

Plot Summary
Stargirl Caraway has been homeschooled her entire life, so when she arrives at Mica High School she has never been exposed to the cliques and groups of a normal high school. Stargirl is a nonconformist. She wears the fashions her mother creates, doesn’t wear makeup, brings her pet rat to school, and plays the ukulele during lunch break. The students don’t know what to make of her. She is kind, thoughtful and supremely self-confident. Leo Borlock is attracted to her and soon they start dating. Leo pressures Stargirl into conforming to his perceived standards, and soon Stargirl is going by the name Susan and worrying about peer pressure. Leo isn’t sure if he likes the girl she is becoming and breaks away from her. Stargirl is also pressured into an interview on the school’s radio station where she is humiliated. The student body turns on her and Stargirl is now alone, her self-confidence is shattered. She decides to return to the girl she was, and leave the school. She returns one last time for a dance, where she leads the students in the bunny hop.

Critical Evaluation
I read this story a long time ago and was struck by how courageous the Stargirl character was in the face of tremendous pressure to conform. Jerry Spinelli has imbued his character with a spirit bordering on the supernatural. I only felt sorry for Leo. He lost the girl of his dreams, and he lost his chance to break free from the old school mold. His discovery that it was Stargirl who sent him the porcupine quill necklace shows just how caring and benevolent Stargirl really was. Stargirl is really more like a mythical creature (maybe angelic), sent to Earth to teach lessons in kindness and benevolence to people who lack those traits. Her disappearance adds even more to the mythology. Leo as narrator implies that 15 years have gone by since Stargirl disappeared, and for him it seems little has changed. Except for the day he again receives a porcupine necklace for his birthday. This book is deeply touching, and remains in my memory (like Leo’s) as a favorite.

Information about the author
Jerry Spinelli (1941-) won a Newbury for his novel Maniac Magee, and a Newbery honor for Wringer. You can find out more about him on his website at http://www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_002.htm

Genre
Narrative fiction, contemporary life

Curriculum ties
Self-esteem, bullying issues

Challenge Issues
None

Challenge defense ideas
There are no apparent challenge issues associated with this book. In the case that a challenge comes up, there are some things that you can do to start. You could read the book and become familiar with the content. Refer to the library collection development policy, and get reviews from reputable sources and teens that have read the book. You can find out more about this book on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Stargirl-Readers-Circle-Jerry-Spinelli/dp/0440416779/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260324197&sr=1-1

Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss Stargirl’s self-esteem and how she isn’t bothered by what people think.
2. Talk about Leo’s attempt to change Stargirl.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult, ages 12 and up

Why I included this title
This book is on the 2000 ALA Best Books for Young Adults list.