Book Post #32- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

ALA Top Ten Best Books Award Winner

Spinelli, Jerry. Stargirl. 2000. 208pp. $8.99pb. Knopf. 9780439444439

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is one of my favorite books of all time!  The story is told in first-person point of view by Leo Borlock, a high school student at Mica Area High School.  He is a popular student, but also likes blending in.  Stargirl (aka Susan Caraway) is an eccentric new student, formerly home schooled, that Leo finds himself oddly attracted to.  She dresses differently than everyone else, she has a pet rat, she sings to people at lunch, she decorates her desk during class, she cheers for the opposing team, she has a happy wagon, and she drops change for children to find.  She is shunned by the student body for not conforming to the norm and Leo struggles with fitting in, being accepted, and following his heart.  Stargirl even tries to change for Leo and starts dressing as a normal teenage girl.  She thinks if she wins the state speech contest that everyone will accept her again, but unfortunately this is not true.  I love this book, because the themes are so middle/high school.  Students can identify with trying to figure out one's self or identity, conformity or trying to fit in, friendship, and love. Bottom line is just be yourself!  What better message can we send to our students?  In addition to the wonderful themes, this book is full of figurative language from similes and metaphors to idioms.  I believe this book is an important read for middle/high schoolers to help them decide it is okay to be themselves.  

Recommendation: Highly Recommended for Grades 6-12

Byline: Amy Sinnett, Graduate Student, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA.