Review: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

[Sally Balboa]

I received this book at a Christmas party a few years ago, and had never heard of it or even knew what it was about. So I was genuinely happy when I read it, in one sitting as well. This novel is written for someone in middle school, but I think everyone should take a crack at this novel. Because it is original, poignant, and overall a wonderful read for anyone who has had a problem fitting in (most of the population)

The novel starts out with Stargirl (One of her many names) and her first day at Mica High School. She meets Leo (the story is told from his perspective), obviously they fall in love but can the schools peer pressure break down Stargirls abundant individuality? Will she have to give in to conformity? Or will people bend to her instead?

There is nothing about this novel that I don't like.

[PotterManiac]

I, for one, did not like this book at all. It did not catch my attention what-so-ever. I like books that have a meaning and to me this had no true meaning. It was just about some girl. I don't recommend this book except for young, middle school girls.

[Miri Faye]

I loved this book because the characters and the plot was very engaging. It inspired me to do random acts of kindness every once in a while.

[kderse]

my review:
The book Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is about a girl named “Stargirl.” From the very first day she arrives at Mica High in a burst of color and sound the hallways hum her name. She captures Leo Borlock’s attention with one smile. All the students are enchanted with her. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with one cheer. Then suddenly they are not. Leo urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her.

I recommend this to teenagers and young adults.

There were many things I liked about this book, and things I didn’t. I won’t say I didn’t like it but I didn’t love it either. Not sure why but I couldn’t get into it. I loved the idea of someone so unique, I love it when a person is and it destroys me when they give that up to try to become likable. I originally read this because my friend Jessi insisted.

I can see why many kids like the author’s writing style. He is very straightforward and writes in a simple way that is interesting. He tackles many issues that teenagers are facing today and even some adults. We all struggle with our identity, conformity/nonconformity, peer pressure. I would say that this book is probably best for middle school aged readers. At least in my experience that is when I struggled most with those issues.

I never really attached or got invested in the characters. Stargirl was just a little too different for me to be able to identify with her. The narrator also rubbed me the wrong way, probably like most 16 year old boys can do to you. It is such an awkward stage in life for them.

Again, I just felt conflicted with this book. I loved the message it had about kindness and being yourself and not becoming selfish but I just didn’t like stargirl. I don’t want to be unkind but I didn’t. I admired her but man some of the things she did could almost be seen as unkind. Singing to people at lunch could be very painful for some people. My brother for example if you want him to hate you forever just embarrass him in public. To me it seemed like she didn’t struggle with anything, almost perfect and lets face it no one is perfect. Especially in high school. Overall though this is a great book for kids trying to find there identity in middle school or high school.

I rate this book a 3 out of 4 stars.