Stargirl (2000)

I like the message about non-conformity, and the general success that Stargirl has with it. It's almost a philosophical treatise on the subject, and is a useful thought experiment, especially when you are in the middle of negotiating conformity and cruelty. That said, I'm not convinced that it holds up particularly well as an older title in the current world. The message about kindness and focusing on others is more relevant than ever. The methods Stargirl uses to basically stalk and spy on everyone around her are a more complex conversation. Didn't really love the audiobook narrator. ( )

very few books in young adult sections are worth reading, this being one of them. In a world of Harry Potter, we should really be looking at stars. ( )

I really didn't like this book. I found the narrator to be cruel and manipulative. He kept putting rules stipulations, and kept trying to change Stargirl. If you want to read about a toxic relationship than read this book. ( )

What is it?
Stargirl is mostly told in first-person perspective from a 16-year-old high school junior boy named Leo. The story takes place in Mica, Arizona, a town that has only existed for about fifteen years, around the year 2000. Everything about the town and school, according to Leo, is less-than-ordinary and is downright boring, until Stargirl.

Should you read it? YES!
This story has a lot of important messages hidden in its 200-ish pages, reminders we could all benefit from. Even though the characters are high schoolers, I would recommend readers be in 7th grade or higher to understand the conflicts and plot. I saw "on up" because even adults would benefit from some of the lessons and reminders in this book. There’s the reminder to not judge those who are different from you as well as that being popular isn’t always what matters most. Also, there’s the reminder about empathy as well as spreading kindness. There is a reminder of the unfortunate hierarchies within a high school, but this book does a good job of not stressing it as Law like some YA books do. Lastly, there’s the reminder to not take others for granted and to be true to who you are.

The cover of the edition I read can be found above. ( )

This book is a story about a teen girl who is not like anyone else. Her name is Stargirl. This book shows how cruel teens can be when you are different, but Stargirl remained true to herself. I would recommend this book to middle schoolers or high schoolers because of how much popularity runs their lives. I would have this book in my library available for students to take home or read in class. ( )