Stargirl

Title: Stargirl

Author:  Jerry Spinellli

Publisher:  Random House

Copyright Date: 2000

Pages: 208 pages

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Genre: Fiction 

Summary: Stargirl is about this very unusual but beautiful girl who enrolls a new school after being home-schooled most her life. She isn't like any of the other girls. She carries around a ukelele on her back and sings in the lunchroom everyday. When she starts showing up at the football games (which no one goes to), everyone starts coming too. Finally, she becomes an official cheerleader for the school and somehow never stops cheering. At basketball games she would even cheer for the other teams, and she was eventually blamed for a mishap that ended the longest winning streak. Stargirl is spirited, and delightfully kind to be around.  Everyone except Dori Dilson (Stargirl’s friend) and Leo turn Stargirl down.  Leo, although captivated by the spirit of Stargirl, he is forced to choose between his popularity and friends, and this odd girl who recently joined their class. Leo and Dori avoid her in the halls and they don’t even make eye contact with her. It’s like she doesn’t exist. 

Leo realizes that there is something completely beautiful about Stargirl and risks being ridiculed to be her boyfriend. After the rumors and drama got out of control, Leo approaches Stargirl request her to change and become more "normal". Stargirl then admits she loves Leo more then intentionally planned, so she attempts to become as normal as she knows how. The next day, Stargirl disappears, and taking her place is an average girl who isn't as unique, named Susan Caraway. Stargirl undercover in attempt to change, she realizes that she (Susan) doesn't like the change and so she changes back to her normal - un-normal self. After the school dance, in which Stargirl lead the Bunny Hop, she was never seen nor heard from again. 

My reaction:

It reminded me of all the obstacles typical teenagers have in High School. Although I didn't necessarily NOT enjoy my High School days, I was constantly reminded that it's okay to be an individual. There is something beautiful about taking a stand and being yourself. I loved that Spinelli portrayed Stargirl to be a fearless beautiful girl who is unaffected by the era and influences of modern day fashion and ideology.

Potential problems: Not everyone has as miserable experience as Stargirl. A message of "changing who you are for a boyfriend" could potentially be mistaken even though Stargirl didn't end up liking the change at all, and disappears forever. Girls should realize that life isn't always rainbows and butterflies, and if they remain true to themselves, there is no shame in that, and no need to run away no matter what the criticisms may be.

My recommendations:

This classic by Jerry Spinelli can be used in Middle Schools and Junior Highs around the United States to remind young women that it is okay to be themselves. The earlier students learn to accept who they are and be themselves - the earlier students learn to be happy.