Stargirl

Rating:
Summary: Untouched By The Crowd
Review: Every school has one--some are simply better known than others. They come and they go, and some take little notice, but others change lives. This is a story of the untouched individual-unique and unashamed of her individuality. Stargirl Caraway is the illusive and intriguing individual of the school-she dresses how she pleases (mostly in pioneer skirts) and she sings "Happy Birthday" accompanied by her ukulele to the birthday student of the day-in front of the entire student body at lunch hour! Stargirl even dances in the rain. When Leo gets to know the girl behind the seeming insanity, he is surprised and pleased, yet somehow dissatisfied. Told in his voice, this is a story of true appreciation, genuine and unashamed compassion, and heartfelt love.
The elements of this story are simple-a unique girl mysteriously shows up in a small town, obliviously throws Mica High School into dis-equilibrium, and turns the student body upside down-first being shunned, mocked, then accepted, and finally ignored. Leo's is not the only life that is changed forever by this stunning girl. The community and school are shocked by this outrageous schoolgirl without inhibitions, but her bright "Pollyanna" attitude keeps them from absolutely hating her. Some are annoyed, others outright mad, but no one can stop her from caring.
Stargirl lets her life have vibrancy and color-she rebels against the societal "grays" and sparks a flame of brilliance that cannot be extinguished by the crowd. The only thing that could change her is the person she loves, and unfortunately Leo attempts such a change. When Leo attempts to "normalize her," I felt my heart plummet. I was disappointed, even hurt. Who would try to change such a unique individual into a mere "popular" copy? Who would let such an uncontaminated individual into a den of lions? By letting Stargirl experience a piece of the world, Leo also allowed her to feel the cruelty and harshness that Stargirl was otherwise oblivious to. Luckily her persona came back, undoubtedly altered, but still unequaled.
Spinelli wrote a brilliant work. The story flows with such ease, yet has subtleties that unconsciously tie this girl into every individual's life. Stargirl lives on through each person touched by this book. Without a doubt, this is a must-read for any young adult out there.

Rating:
Summary: Susan is Stargirl
Review: This book is okay. I liked how Stargirl and Leo followed a person in the mall. The part about "picking and flicking" was really funny. I also would've liked to have found out what happened to the boy in the accident. Also, who was the guy that died? I didn't like when Leo made Cinnamon fall to the ground. Overall, this book was a little sad and a little bit funny.

Rating:
Summary: this book is really good
Review: This is the best book I've ever read. Stargirl is so cool she is just like my friend. Stargirl likes to give old people flowers and she kisses Leo on the lips. I also liked it because she was always so helpful with other people. I also liked her rat Cinnamon. She is also like my spanish teacher Mrs. Nunez because my teacher is so nice and so is Stargirl. My teacher Mrs. Plona is just like her because she helps me just like Stargirl helps other people and my teacher also helps me with my work just like Stargirl helped her friend Dori Dilson.

Rating:
Summary: One of the worst books ever
Review: This book was horrible! There was no point to it! It went on and on....I couldn't even relate to it! Don't read it! Save yourself the agony!!

Rating:
Summary: This book had alot of potential
Review: Stargirl is the new girl. She is odd and different. Her classmates doesn't know what to think of her. But slowly she becomes accepted and admired. And the lead charcter Leo falls in love with her. When Stargirl populatity drops. People begain to ignore Leo as well. He wants her love but he doesn't want to be ignored. So he asks Stargirl to change for him. In the end it doesn't work. Stargirl is a very interesting and sweet charcter. The way she treats people and looks at life is interesting. I wish I had a friend just like her. This is a simple book to read and is very short. The charcter of Stargirl is rememberable. She is the best thing going for this book.

Rating:
Summary: Dare to be different, but expect consequences
Review: STARGIRL is a moving novel of peer pressure and nonconformity; dealing directly with the stress teens face when confronted with the idea of "not fitting in." By showing the effect one "different" individual has on a school population, Spinelli gives us an accurate (if slightly overdramatic) portrayal of high school and the consequences of being different. Seen through the eyes of a young man who must choose between the group and the individual, this story of school life should be an eye-opener for any who have not taken a close look at the effect of peer pressure (or any who have never felt its cruel sting). Spinelli does over play his hand a bit when portraying Stargirl as an individual who is overwhelmingly good; the deck is stacked so far in her favor that there is no balance. This does not dim the importance of Spinelli's message and STARGIRL sends an important message of tolerance to readers.

Rating:
Summary: Dare to be different, but expect consequences
Review: STARGIRL is a moving novel of peer pressure and nonconformity; dealing with the stress teens face when confronted with the idea of "not fitting in." By showing the effect one "different" individual has on a school population, Spinelli gives us an accurate (if slightly overdramatic) portrayal of high school and the consequences of being different. Seen through the eyes of a young man who must choose between the group and the individual, this story of school life should be an eye-opener for any who have not taken a close look at the effect of peer pressure (or any who have never felt its cruel sting). Spinelli does over play his hand a bit when portraying Stargirl as an individual who is overwhelmingly good; the deck is stacked so far in her favor that there is no balance. However, the message is a solid one and well worth thinking through.

Rating:
Summary: A real "Star" read!!!
Review: "Stargirl" was one of the best books I have ever read. It all begins when Stargirl moves to Mica High School. She has no friends, and everyone thinks she's weird. But Stargirl isn't weird, or isn't different, she's just an individual. This book teaches us a lesson about how to treat others. Just because they aren't the same as us, like Stargirl, they're still equal, and they can still be the most awesome people in the world, if you get a chance to know them. We shouldn't be like Leo and judge people, but we should go beyond the edge and hang out with those different than us. This is a very touching story, and I've taken it to heart. It teaches us some of life's most important lessons, and I reccomend it to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: For all ages...
Review: I am a psychotherapist working with teens in residential treatment. I bought this book to be included in a lending library I am building for the kids. It has been recommended by some reviewers as being appropriate for "5-7 grade" or "12-up"...I think this book is a gem for all ages! (I loved it, and I'm 36) I purchased three copies, and they are constantly checked out. Kids who have read it insist that those that haven't do so ASAP...they have even started a "Stargirl Club." Girls tend to attach to it a bit more than boys, but a number of boys have really enjoyed it, too (the story is told from a 15-year-old boy's point of view). The book has many layers, and conveys its messages with humor and fair amount of angst. A wonderful read!

Rating:
Summary: Elf owl, call me by my name
Review: Jerry Spinelli has done it again, he has written a beautiful and magical story.
Stargirl Caraway is a new free spirited girl at Mica high. She is the most interesting thing the students have ever seen, the think she's amazing, for a while. But soon Stargirl becomes too different, she cheers for the other team, says hello to people she does'nt know and worst of all, she isn't like every one else. Students start to turn there backs on Stargirl, even though all she was doing was being nice. Who ever started it, they may never know but soon the Mica students went from amazed to annoyed.
I think this book is wonderful, and I find myself reading it again and again. This story tells the truth of what life is like, if your not like every one else, people may be cruel. It does go to show, being yourself may come at a cost.