Thursday, June 19, 2008

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli

The book Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is about a mysterious girl that enters a public high school, and stands out dramatically. In my opinion Spinelli did a very good job describing the peer pressure of high school, and how much teenagers tend to blend in together. Being different as a teenager is very difficult, people tend to judge you differently. I love it how Spinelli demonstrates the peer pressures of high school by using a strange girl. This book is truly one of my favorites.


- Reviewed by M.T., grade 9.

(Librarian's note: check out this book's sequel, Love, Stargirl, just out this year!)

4 comments:

Teen Speak said...

Stargirl is about a boy named Leo who one day at Mica High sees a new girl who isnt like other kids. Most of the time, shes just in her own world and doesnt really care what others think. She wears long skirts, overalls, and even brings her pet rat to school. At lunch she walks on the tables and sings with her ukulele. Leo starts to feel affection towards her any really does not know why. Soon they become good friends and always hang out together. After just a few weeks they even get together as a couple. Leo realizes that its actually good to be different and it is very important to always be yourself no matter what.

I liked this book very much because it made me realize that being yourself is what matters most. You shouldn't care what others think. I think that people who are losing hope for themselves, as in they don't think that they're every good enough. This book made me feel very good about myself and it will to many others too.

Reviewed by Emily, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library

Teen Speak said...

Since the day that star girl arrives to a quiet high school named Mica high school, this boy named Leo Borolock gets smitten with Star girl and every one also feels the same way about her as he does. The school is completely in love with her uniqueness and the burst of fun she gives everyone. Being herself becomes the worst nightmare that she could of ever thought. The whole school shuns her away and from being the most love she becomes the most hated. Leo urges Star Girl to act normal so everyone can accept her again. Will she change herself to please everyone else?

This is the perfect story that shows that being you is important. In life there will be people that just don’t accept you for who you are sometimes it’s because they wish they can be as comfortable in there skin as you. This book is best recommended to the ones who need a good motivational story. We get to follow Star Girl in her journey of her battles with being herself. Even if that means she’s a little weird, and corky that’s who she is and will be.

Reviewed by Marta R., Grade 12
Glendale Central Library

Teen Speak said...

In this book, the reader is introduced the the narrator, Leo borlock. He goes to this school where basically no one should be stand out. His opinions on popularity and love changes when Stargirl arrives to Mira Area High School. Stargirl has been home-schooled for fifteen years and when she arrives, the entire school and especially Leo is affected. Leo soon falls in love with her and everything changes!

I enjoyed this book a lot. I am personally a fan of John Green's writing style so I really liked the way it was written. It really shows Jerry Spinelli's opinions on popularity and love and is very well written. It was a very sweet story and had a very unique plot. The characters were very vivid and relatable. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good love story that makes you not want to put the book down.

Reviewed by EB, Grade 9
Grandview Library

Melissa said...

When a mysterious new girl arrives at Leo's high school she puts on quite the show. Wearing bright, silly outfits and giving a ukulele performance the cafeteria. Leo and his friends are intrigued by the girl, who is named stargirl, and hope to get an interview from her on their show called "hot seat". Stargirl becomes more and more popular as she performs at football games and becomes their good luck charm. Leo and Stargirl begin to hang out more, growing closer. When stargirl feels bad for the other team and cheers for them, the school turns against her and Leo is caught in in between the girl he likes and his popularity at school.

Stargirl presents a startling contrast to your average high school love story. All the same issues of popularity, friendship, sports, and crushes are central to the book. Yet it is all presented through a different lens, one that questions the traditional view of these aspects of teenage life. As stargirl fluctuates from popular to unpopular, conforming to social norms and then defying them, Spinelli proves, through the relationship with Leo, that popularity is superficial and individual feelings are what really matters. This book is a fantastic read for any teenager weather they are going into high school, are in high school, or have already left. As the chaotic and confusing school environment is the center of the world for teenage, Stargirl reminds them to ground themselves by staying true to who they are.

Revoewed by Rachel-Ann, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library