Stargirl (Readers Circle)
by Jerry Spinelli
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Book Reviews of Stargirl (Readers Circle)
Book Review: Stargirl Shines
Summary: 5 Stars
I enjoyed the story of Stargirl as told through the eyes of Leo Borlock, an 11th grade boy who thought she was the most unique and beautiful person he had ever met. Stargirl was a home schooled girl who came to Mica High one fall day. The first time Leo saw her was in the cafeteria dressed in a long white dress which had lace around the arms and neck. Not your typical high school girl outfit. She pulled out a ukulele and began singing and dancing through the lunch room. People thought she was different and different she was. At first the kids at Mica High loved her but after an incident at a football game they all turned against her. Leo tried to help her get back in favor by suggesting she change and become like "everyone else". Stargirl really cared about Leo so much so she gave up her most treasured possession herself and turned into a typical teenage girl. But the kids still hated her and now shunned both her and Leo. In the end she remained true to herself and became Stargirl once again but Leo could not face her and in fact avoided her. She went out with a bang that still had everyone talking about that special night at the dance when Stargirl shined the brightest. Leo has not been back to any class reunions for 15 years and thinks of what might have been and what he had lost. He thinks of Stargirl often and wishes he would have been stronger. Lots of lessons in this book and a great read for people of all ages. I highly recommend reading Stargirl by Jerry Spinnelli.Book Review: Appreciating Differences
Summary: 5 Stars
Stargirl is an enjoyable story about truly appreciating differences and caring for all mankind. Stargirl dresses differently and takes time out of her day to do nice things for other students, even students she does not know. Her classmates only partially include her until she does something out of the norm. Conformity though does not always make a difference, as Stargirl discovers as she attempts to blend in. The spirit of nonconformity is seen towards the end of the book and the lasting impression Stargirl can have on the student population.
This book is written in a manner that students could relate to; no matter what school they are currently in. Conformity is something every student must face, and being strong enough to make own decisions is a daily occurrence. This book does deal with problems facing today's youth, is universal, and the inner character is credible. All students have experience and witness the affects of not doing or looking like everyone else. Perhaps her character was a little too bizarre with being allowed to sing in the lunchroom and carry a rat pet, but the descriptors of these differences were believable and would relate to today's students. The impact Stargirl has on Leo and the student body leaves the reader with the importance of appreciating and respecting those who are not like us in our ever-changing pluralistic society. The idea of loving mankind and everything around us can change us forever, even with all of its cost factors.
Book Review: Great message, Great story!
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading this book, my only question is: WHY HAVEN'T I READ THIS ALREADY?! Stargirl is a book about individuality and NOT being like all the others.
The titled character, Stargirl, is unlike any other character I've read about. To say that she is unique would be an understatement. She wore clothes that most people considered outdated and way out there, she sung happy birthday while playing her ukulele to other students, she cheered for the other team at basketball games, etc. Stargirl wasn't afraid to be herself, she didn't care what others thought of her. While reading the book I wished I had half the courage she did.
The book is told in Leo Borlock's POV. I loved reading about his relationship with Stargirl. Although they do date in the book, the romance isn't over the top. It's just very cute and innocent. I hated how Leo cared what people thought of him when he was with Stargirl. But I can definitely understand where he was coming from.
Jerry Spinelli is a fantastic writer. I haven't read a book of his in years but I will be reading his others as soon as I can. After reading this book, it has inspired me to go to school and just be me. Well, for the most part, I am my true self at school (which has led a lot of others to call me crazy..no joke) but I want to not give a care in the world what others think.
Book Review: A review from an adult
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an adult male who typically does not read fiction, let alone fiction dealing with teenage relationships. However, this book came highly recommended by a few people, and I figured it would be a quick, easy read.
I was not disappointed. This book is written as a look back to the narrator's high school years (about 15 years previous). The narrator, Leo, talks about his experiences, and about a particularly intriguing young girl named Stargirl (her given name is Susan). Stargirl is unlike any other person he has ever met. In a nutshell, she marches to her own beat, drum, and entire band!
However, there is something about her that really makes her endearing to the reader. She goes through periods of both acceptance and rejection in the book, but the take home message is actually quite powerful. One question I was left with regarding the take-home message was, "How often do I hold back myself from others (in terms of kindness, service, and trying to help them feel special) simply because I care too much what people think?"
Overall, I love the book for its message. Don't read it expecting a literary masterpiece. It is a story about teenagers, and it is at least somewhat predictable. The real reason to read this for me is to internalize some of the characters and what their actions mean for me. Enjoy!
Book Review: Awakening dormant mud frogs
Summary: 5 Stars
Stargirl is what the best in every person desires to be... Compassionate and spontaneous, but with completely altruistic motives to match. She truly has no ego. Leo is fascinated by her different-ness, and how she stands alone and does not seem to notice. She is friends with everyone, but still she is not loved by everyone. Those in her class seek to change her, to bring her back to what they deem comfortable and normal, while in the process, they too are becoming aware of their own uniqueness and ability to see beyond themselves. I found myself wanting to do the same. Stargirl awakened the dormant mud frog in me with her subtle ability to change the lives of others. "It was wonderful to see, wonderful to be in the middle of we mud frogs awakening all around. We were awash in tiny attentions. Small gestures, words, empathies thought to be extinct came to life. For years the strangers among us had passed sullenly in the hallways; now we looked, we nodded. We smiled... It was a rebellion she led, a rebellion for rather than against. For ourselves. For the dormant mud frogs we had been for so long(pg. 40)." Jerry Spinelli captures the essence of high school so perfectly... The spirit, the friendship, the cruelty, and the bitter reality that what is best is not always what is accepted. A definite must-read for any teen or adult.