Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is a classic novel about standing out and being yourself. Readers follow Leo Borlock, an ordinary guy at Mica High School in Arizona. When Stargirl arrives at Mica High, Leo is amazed at her uniqueness. Stargirl cheers for every sports team, sings “Happy Birthday” to other students, gives surprise gifts, and even carries her pet rat in her bag. She is everything the other students at Mica High are not. Though she is strange, Leo can not help but fall in love with her. It seems as if the rest of the students at Mica High like her too until an event happens that will force Leo to decide what he cares about more: the opinions of his classmates or Stargirl?
Stargirl is very relatable to anyone who has ever felt worried about what others may think. Readers will understand Leo’s difficult position and be inspired by Stargirl’s behavior to be themselves. As such, Stargirl will make readers think about their own lives and how they can make the decision to be more accepting of others and be true to themselves. The relatability of these characters and their experiences makes Stargirl a recommended book.
Stargirl is also quite short. For readers looking for something quick, the small, 186 page novel is a great choice. But for those who like to dive in deeper with their reading, do not turn away from Stargirl as an option. Stargirl also has a follow up novel, Love, Stargirl that readers may enjoy as well. It is, however, not an action packed novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It mostly follows Leo’s thoughts, so readers who are looking for something exciting may want to turn elsewhere.
Overall, Stargirl is an inspiring novel that reflects what is best and worst in all of us. It reminds us to accept others and embrace our true selves. Something everyone should be reminded of from time to time. This makes Stargirl a recommended novel for this reader.
Does it have a Young Adult label?: No
Recommended if you like stories with: realistic fiction, unexpected friends, high school, love, quirky characters, following the rules, being true to yourself
Favorite Quote: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
Rating:
Stargirl is very relatable to anyone who has ever felt worried about what others may think. Readers will understand Leo’s difficult position and be inspired by Stargirl’s behavior to be themselves. As such, Stargirl will make readers think about their own lives and how they can make the decision to be more accepting of others and be true to themselves. The relatability of these characters and their experiences makes Stargirl a recommended book.
Stargirl is also quite short. For readers looking for something quick, the small, 186 page novel is a great choice. But for those who like to dive in deeper with their reading, do not turn away from Stargirl as an option. Stargirl also has a follow up novel, Love, Stargirl that readers may enjoy as well. It is, however, not an action packed novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It mostly follows Leo’s thoughts, so readers who are looking for something exciting may want to turn elsewhere.
Overall, Stargirl is an inspiring novel that reflects what is best and worst in all of us. It reminds us to accept others and embrace our true selves. Something everyone should be reminded of from time to time. This makes Stargirl a recommended novel for this reader.
Does it have a Young Adult label?: No
Recommended if you like stories with: realistic fiction, unexpected friends, high school, love, quirky characters, following the rules, being true to yourself
Favorite Quote: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
Rating: