stargirl


Stargirl
 by Jerry Spinelli

Realistic Fiction; 186 pages

In this story about the perils of popularity, the courage of nonconformity, and the thrill of first love, an eccentric student named Stargirl changes Mica High School forever.

 

Sam’s review:
Stargirl is the classic nonconformist, free spirit. When she shows up at Mica High with her long skirts and ukulele, students don’t know how to handle her. Leo Borlock, the book’s 16-year-old narrator, is fascinated by her pure, primitive approach to life and wants to get closer to her. His desire for fun adventures with her turn out to have unexpected consequences for both of them, and the important question comes into focus: How do you remain true to yourself while navigating a school situation that seems to require conformity? Spinelli explores this question with many entertaining details, such as Stargirl’s rat “Cinnamon,” her stint as a cheerleader, her appearance on Leo’s TV show “Hot Seat,” and the descriptions of the Arizona desert. Stargirl somehow knows the birthday of each student and celebrates by doing a serenade on her ukulele. Anyone have a ukulele?



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