Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

• ISBN: 0-679-98637-5
• Plot summary: Stargirl has been homeschooled her whole life, until now. She waltzes in unannounced, creating a buzz around school. Who was this girl with the strange name who sings at lunch, dances when music is absent, wears interesting outfits and somehow knows everyone's birthday enough to serenade them on said date? Stargirl Caraway is an apparition and has the students tongue tied, but soon her appeal is too much to stay away from and they flock to Stargirl. She's invited to the cheerleading squad and suddenly the basketball team is winning. Not all are impressed with Stargirl--slowly, a revolt starts when Stargirl's friendliness appears to be intrusive. She cheers for the other team when they make baskets, she appears at funerals for people she's never known, and no matter how many people scorn her, she won't stop smiling. Leo Borlock encourages Stargirl to become "normal", but when she does, it does nothing to bring back her allies. Instead, Stargirl goes back to herself, only to go out with a bang.
• Critical evaluation: What a magical little story! It is a fairly standard story: new girl comes to town, wins the approval of her peers and gains popularity, eventually loses their favor and decides to attempt to win back their support, only to be ignored. Somehow, Jerry Spinelli manages to weave the tale again, making the new girl even more enigmatic and individual--Stargirl needs no help in making herself over into the object of the desire. She comes to the school fully equipped with an abundance of spirit and a desire to do good for all people, no matter if it gains her attention or thanks. Spinelli is successful in creating a truly selfless character, who is resilient against her peers negativity, and though there is a brief period of time where she sacrifices herself to be more "normal", Stargirl quickly realizes that this does nothing to win back her peers and instead shows up to the school dance and infuses the whole crown (except one lone student) with a rocking good time. I can't exactly put my finger on why this novel was so enjoyable except to say that it was magical.
• Reader's annotation: Stargirl walked into Mica Area High School and brought it to life.
• About the author: Jerry Spinelli is the author of numerous books for young people, including Maniac Magee which won the Newberry Medal in 1991.
• Genre: Fiction
• Curriculum ties, if any: None
• Booktalking ideas:
• Do you think its bad that Stargirl cheered for the other team?
  
• What name would you pick if your parents let you?
• Reading level/interest age: 12+
• Challenge issues: none
• Why was this item included? My teenage sister and her group of friends really love this book.