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greenidmnstr's review
5.0
I read this book in middle school after initially being exposed to Spinelli's Maniac Magee which was read to us by my 5th grade teacher. I fell in love with his writing and began reading all of his books. When I read Stargirl I was immediately enamored by the alternate perspective of school, social life, and what it means to be a person. Stargirl was a wonderful experience and I cant wait to read this book again. Definitely would recommend this.
shannonc8299's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
michellechien930's review
5.0
Why in the world haven't I read this book before?? I mean, it's so incredibly sad, but also wonderfully written. Jerry Spinelli is a genius. I loved Stargirl and her nonconformity. I wanted to strangle Leo for his ideas of conformation, but sadly, I would probably had been a Leo. This book perfectly conveys the small doubts that students have during their school years. Being yourself is perhaps the hardest thing to do. And yet Stargirl embodies all that wonderful, blinding courage.
itzaalllll's review
3.0
This was not a bad read, but I did expect more. I found it to be mediocre, and cringey at times.
I did love the fact that we saw it from Leo's POV, and in doing so saw how he tried to change stargirl.
I did love the fact that we saw it from Leo's POV, and in doing so saw how he tried to change stargirl.
abbywebb's review
3.0
Cute book for preteens and teens. I don't usually like reading books that remind me about high school though, but I can see how this would be a great read for young readers.
I am curious though - what ever happened to Stargirl? I found out today that there is a sequel, but I don't plan on reading it. Still, I would like to know what happened...
Anyway, this book was a good lesson on non-conformity and young "love." Give it to your preteens to read. They might learn something invaluable. It was a good book to end 2009 with.
I am curious though - what ever happened to Stargirl? I found out today that there is a sequel, but I don't plan on reading it. Still, I would like to know what happened...
Anyway, this book was a good lesson on non-conformity and young "love." Give it to your preteens to read. They might learn something invaluable. It was a good book to end 2009 with.
theforereffect's review
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book originally came out when I was about 14 or 15. I remember seeing a review of it on a magazine and wanting to read it, but balking when I saw it in the middle grade section at the book store. I was so concerned with what others thought of me at that time I didn't want to read a book some one might think was childish. At that point of my life, I didn't want to stand out more than I already did. I didn't want to put one more target on my back.
I really, really needed this book back then.
I did eventually pick this one up, sometime in my 20's, but it hits differently now. I'm almost 40 and I have a child of my own. I'm at peace with myself in a way that only comes with middle age. I can look back and laugh at how trivial and temporary everything that happened in high school was, even though it felt monumental at the time.
There is something timeless about Stargirl. The lack of cell phones and social media and the abundance of print media are the only things that date this novel. Otherwise, the themes are as relevant today as they were 25 years ago and as they will be 25 years from now. It's always going to be hard for teenagers to figure themselves out, to be co fident and unafraid, to break away from the pack.
What keeps Stargirl from being especially cloying (although it certainly is a little cloying) is that it acknowledges that being different isn't easy, social isolation isn't easy, and being a teenager is not easy.
Stargirl is imperfect. She has no boundaries, she's obsessive, she's stubborn. The description of her office at the end was some low key serial killer shit.
But Leo is imperfect too. He is cowardly, he can't communicate, he doesn't have a clear sense of himself or what he stands for. Their relationship is perfectly teenager-y in the way that it is awkward and short lived.
I think this book is a classic. It's one to pass on to the young people in your life. It's one that can fuel a lot of self reflection and is a jumping off point for discussion about individuality and conformity.
I think 25 years later the Manic Pixie Dream Girl of it all did not age well.
I do want to read an adult contemporary romance with Leo and Stargirl now, though.
I really, really needed this book back then.
I did eventually pick this one up, sometime in my 20's, but it hits differently now. I'm almost 40 and I have a child of my own. I'm at peace with myself in a way that only comes with middle age. I can look back and laugh at how trivial and temporary everything that happened in high school was, even though it felt monumental at the time.
There is something timeless about Stargirl. The lack of cell phones and social media and the abundance of print media are the only things that date this novel. Otherwise, the themes are as relevant today as they were 25 years ago and as they will be 25 years from now. It's always going to be hard for teenagers to figure themselves out, to be co fident and unafraid, to break away from the pack.
What keeps Stargirl from being especially cloying (although it certainly is a little cloying) is that it acknowledges that being different isn't easy, social isolation isn't easy, and being a teenager is not easy.
Stargirl is imperfect. She has no boundaries, she's obsessive, she's stubborn. The description of her office at the end was some low key serial killer shit.
But Leo is imperfect too. He is cowardly, he can't communicate, he doesn't have a clear sense of himself or what he stands for. Their relationship is perfectly teenager-y in the way that it is awkward and short lived.
I think this book is a classic. It's one to pass on to the young people in your life. It's one that can fuel a lot of self reflection and is a jumping off point for discussion about individuality and conformity.
I think 25 years later the Manic Pixie Dream Girl of it all did not age well.
I do want to read an adult contemporary romance with Leo and Stargirl now, though.
katdfleming's review
5.0
Loved it. Everything about it. Went in with no preconceptions. Therefore, I'll share none of my own opinions and leave you the joy of discovering Stargirl on your own.
inook_u's review
5.0
When I hsve kid I will make sure they read this book to help them learn that being different is beautiful, always be kind to those who are different and always be you, never doubt it ❤️❤️❤️❤️
_raavee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
f_r_e_d's review
4.5
I have no words other then, read it for yourself, and be prepared to maybe shed a tear or two.