Book Review of Stargirl
The Children’s Book Review
Stargirl
Written by Jerry Spinelli
Ages: 10+ | 186 Pages
Publisher: Scholastic | ISBN-13: 978-0375822339
What to Expect: Fiction, Friendship, Peer Pressure, and School Issues
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli stands out as an enthralling read that brilliantly encapsulates the power of individuality.
The main idea of Stargirl revolves around the flamboyant character of Stargirl Caraway, who takes the Mica High School by storm. Her awe-inspiring personality, distinct fashion sense, and unorthodox habits are a breath of fresh air for everyone around. She fearlessly sets herself apart from the rest of the world and is unapologetically different. However, as society starts to judge and disapprove of Stargirl’s non-conformity, she faces rejection and abandons her unique identity to fit in.
The narrator, Leo, finds himself captivated by Stargirl’s unconventional way of life and seeks to preserve her uniqueness. However, he struggles to understand and support her when society ostracizes her. As the book progresses, readers are left to ponder the critical question of whether one should mold oneself to fit society’s expectations or stay true to one’s authentic self.
This book is a fantastic exploration of the challenges young people face when trying to fit into society, and it adeptly shows the struggles of peer pressure. The pain and conflict Stargirl experiences as she tries to conform to societal norms are excellently portrayed and add a thought-provoking layer of complexity to this fascinating story.
Is Stargirl a good book? Jerry Spinelli’s kid-friendly masterpiece is an absolute must-read for those who seek to imbibe the value of self-acceptance and the beauty of individuality.
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About the Author
Jerry Spinelli became a children’s book author by somewhat of an accident. Over twelve years, he wrote four books for adults, and none of them were accepted by a publisher. The fifth book that he wrote was about a thirteen-year-old boy; it was rejected by adult book publishers, too. The good news is that children’s publishers loved it, and it turns out that he found his sweet spot for storytelling when writing for kids.
What to Read Next if You Love Stargirl
- Rules, by Cynthia Lord
- Loser, by Jerry Spinelli
- Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli
- Smile, by Raina Telgemeier
Bianca Schulze reviewed Stargirl. Discover more books like Stargirl by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Fiction and Friendship.
