Review - Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Title: Stargirl
Title: Stargirl
Author: Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Realistic fiction
Genre: Realistic fiction
Ages: Middle-grade-YA 10+,clean
Blurb from Goodreads:
Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. [continued]
Release Date: August 8, 2000
Thoughts: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is a story about a fantastically strange girl who wears unique clothes, plays the ukelele around school and just does not care what others think of her. It also follows, but does not focus on, a sad, innocent romance between her, Stargirl and the narrator, Leo, tainted by the corruption of peer pressure and high school.
The characters are well-developed and funny, and I really could connect to them on some level. I especially liked Archie and his cactus, Señor Saguaro- I found that they presented a form of escape and sanctuary, away from the judging eyes of the couple's peers, as well as this "mystical place" out in the desert. There was a good sense of balance in all areas, in that aspect.
The plot was quite simple, but very effective and emotional. I only wish that Leo had done more for Stargirl, because she is an eccentric and wonderful character, and even after finishing the last page and putting the book down she still remains imprinted in my mind. Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely. I think this book has the potential to appeal to many audiences, as perspectives from all kinds of people are represented, and themes/issues that appear in this book are universal-- high school, 'love', betrayal, friendship, peer pressure, etc. I definitely want to read the sequel, Love, Stargirl.
Thoughts: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is a story about a fantastically strange girl who wears unique clothes, plays the ukelele around school and just does not care what others think of her. It also follows, but does not focus on, a sad, innocent romance between her, Stargirl and the narrator, Leo, tainted by the corruption of peer pressure and high school.
The characters are well-developed and funny, and I really could connect to them on some level. I especially liked Archie and his cactus, Señor Saguaro- I found that they presented a form of escape and sanctuary, away from the judging eyes of the couple's peers, as well as this "mystical place" out in the desert. There was a good sense of balance in all areas, in that aspect.
The plot was quite simple, but very effective and emotional. I only wish that Leo had done more for Stargirl, because she is an eccentric and wonderful character, and even after finishing the last page and putting the book down she still remains imprinted in my mind. Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely. I think this book has the potential to appeal to many audiences, as perspectives from all kinds of people are represented, and themes/issues that appear in this book are universal-- high school, 'love', betrayal, friendship, peer pressure, etc. I definitely want to read the sequel, Love, Stargirl.
Rating:
3.5/5
You can buy "Starigirl" (PB) at Amazon. Alternatively, you can buy the box set (which includes both Stargirl and Love, Stargirl). It released in 2000! Hoorah. A decade of Stargirl. :)
Phew... tomorrow, I will post up a review of Holly Cupala's Tell Me a Secret, and The Sky is Everywhere (if I can finish it tomorrow). Thanks for reading! Have you read Stargirl, and what did you think of it? Also, sorry for the weird formatting. I just switched to the new editor, and it's acting up for some reason. :\
3 comments:
I read Star Girl in the 7th grade and fell in love with it. Such a fantastic book! Great review :)
Thanks for this review.
sounds like a good read. I haven't heard of this one.
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