Stargirl

Title: Stargirl           

Author: Jerry Spinelli                     Copyright Date: 2000                       

Genre: Science Fiction                 Pages of Book: 186 Pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.            Reading Level: Ages 10-18

Summary: Stargirl is a new girl in Leo’s school. It doesn’t take long for the school to realize that she isn’t like the rest of them. In the lunchroom she plays her ukulele and sings to people on their birthdays. Before Stargirl came, no one went to the school’s sport games. Now everyone goes and it shocks the school that they actually start winning a lot. She was really popular for a while. Stargirl even becomes a cheerleader. Though she isn’t like the rest and cheers for both teams. Then people became mad at her because at one of the final games she cheered for both teams. Everyone blamed her for the teams loss that night. After this everyone shunned Stargirl except a select few, Leo being one of those. Leo started hanging out with Stargirl and he really liked her except that he didn’t like that everyone ignored both of them. This bothers him for quite some time so he talks to her about it. He tells her that she should want to fit in and be like the rest of the kids. The next day she shows up dress completely different and acted accordingly. Except for a few minor things, that she would usually catch herself doing. Leo loves that life is normal again, however despite the change people still shun them. Stargirl is in a state speaking competition and she really believes that when she brings home the gold that everyone will be there cheering for her. When they get back to the school that is not the case. There are only a couple people there most of which were teachers. Stargirl is very upset and the next day at school she is back to her old self. A few days later she doesn’t come at all and Leo finds out that she moved.

Reaction: I have mixed views about this book but reading a second time changed them a little. I know that many people either hate or love this book. The more I read it the more I am leaning towards loving it. This is my second time reading it. However I remember when our teacher read this book to us, we hated it.

Problem: Leo has to decide between Stargirl or everyone else in his school

Recommendation: I would recommend this book, however I think that there is a certain audience for this book and I think I would suggest it to those older than fourteen.