Rating: 
Summary: A Great Book!
Review: I thought that this book was wonderful. It is about Stargirl Caraway, a girl who sings happy birthday to strangers as she strums her ukelele, a girl who brings her pet rat to school, and a girl who is herself. At first, the students at Mica love Stargirl's unique ways, but after she cheers for the opposing basketball team and helps one of their players, she is shunned by all. That is when she and Leo begin their friendship. They go out into the desert simply to watch, leave coins on the street, just for children to pick up, and they are kind to everyone, they are themselves. But when Leo is teased as "Starboy", he makes Stargirl change her ways, so she becomes Susan Caraway, a girl like anyone else, Leo likes her, but wonders if she will ever be herself again. I loved this book because it gives the message to always be true to yourself, no matter what other people think of you.
Rating:
Summary: Dancing In The Rain
Review: The best book i have ever read. Once you start reading it you will never want to put it down. Stargirl makes you want to go outside and dance in the rain, be a cheerleader and cheer for everyteam. Stargirl has a great personality. She is very friendly, she has lots of courage. Its a very sad, funny and happy book. The writer has done a great job. I look forward to reading his other books. I recomend this book to people of all age. Go out and read it!
Rating:
Summary: A Bittersweet Masterpiece
Review: Words cannot express how deep and thought provoking this novel is. This books hits all of the emotions: happy, sad, funny, anger, confusion. The dialogue is real throughout. When you come across "the booger" part, you will think you are watching Seinfeld. That being said, this book delves into what is really important in life: the little things and being true to yourself. If you have ever seen the movie American Beauty, you will undoubtedly make connections. Just be prepared to cry and ponder life when you come across that last chapter. Just like Amercian Beauty and Good Will Hunting, sometimes life doesn't turn out as planned. But that's the beauty of this book. Mr. Spinelli does not sell out at the end by creating a fairy tale ending. Instead, he creates an ending that is all to real in our lives. An absolutely outstanding novel. I am a 5th grade teacher and I have never had my students more into a book. To say each and every one loved it would be an understatement. Go and buy this book. It will impact your life.
Rating:
Summary: Stargirl warms the heart
Review: Stargirl is the epitome of strange: she brings a ukelele to school and serenades people in the cafeteria, walks around with a pet rat on her shoulder, and wears outrageous costumes. The best part about it is that she doesn't seem to care what other people think and she doesn't seem to even notice that everyone at Mica High stares at her.This story, told by Leo, a junior at Mica, shows how one person can change an entire school by just opening up and being herself. It is a wonderful story of friendship, acceptance, and of being different. Leo falls under Stargirl's spell and is soon head-over-heels for her. The only problem is that he is too embarrassed to admit it in front of the rest of the school, who seems to think Stargirl is not worthy of their friendship. Stargirl is shunned by the entire student body, except for Leo and another girl. Leo wants her to change and become "normal", but should Stargirl give up who she is, just so she can fit-in at Mica? This book was hard to put down and left me thinking about it for hours after I had finished it. Definitely worthy of some awards and recognition (hopefully a Newbery medal), this book should be on everyone's reading list; young and old alike. It is that good!
Rating:
Summary: Bittersweet and thoughtful
Review: This book makes you want to cry- but most of the time it's from happiness. It's an emotional rollercoaster, going from happy to confused to sad to angry to happy again. Every young teen should read this. Some of the statements were very true, and thought-provoking. The ending could have been a little more uplifting, but it is instead the typical Spinelli bittersweet finale. I never really liked any of Mr Spinelli's books, but this one deserves 5+ stars. The only parts of the book that were not-so-good were when the author makes fun of certain people. Homeschoolers, for example, have many friends and are perfectly normal. I should know- I am one. But basically STARGIRL hit the nail on the head, delivering a nearly-perfect tale. How much better we would be if their were more Stargirls in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Being yourself, unique, individual, daring and scared....
Review: A story about what it means to be yourself, during a time (high school) where being unique, being an individual can seem to bring more trouble then it is worth. This story had something for everyone: - the new girl in school - who changed the way people viewed their lives and themselves. - the jealous clique of kids, who couldn't stand it that they were no longer the center of attention. - the quiet shy boy who fell totally and completely in love wiht her - only to try and change her - to get her to conform - so he wouldn't be so embarassed... A novel about the importance of being yourself, accepting you for who you and what you are, believing in yourself and your abilities. Of being you for you. I stopped the book I was reading to read this one. The book cover and auther (who I had read before) intrigued me so. Well worth it - at the very least - you should put it at the top of your to read pile by the side of your bed.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for middle school read-aloud
Review: As a middle school teacher, I am always on the lookout for the perfect read-aloud book. When I found this book, I completed it the very next day, it is that appealing. It is a book with everything: humor, wonderful writing (useful as a model when teaching trait writing), and excellent role models. There is a little bit of a Stargirl in every middle schooler, if only they had the courage to express it! This book is unlike any I have ever read: way to go, Jerry Spinnelli!! Stargirl will be the hero of every student in my class. We are going to select new names for ourselves, one that reflects our talents and inspirations. Read this book to your students and see the lights in their eyes as they listen.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Book
Review: Have you ever read a book that was just so good you wanted to keep reading it? And when it was over you feel that it was just enough to whet your appetite? Well, Star Girl is a book just like that. After finishing this book, I wanted more. I wanted it to be longer, I wanted a sequel. I just wanted to read more about Star Girl. This book takes a not so ordinary girl and makes her into a beautiful wonder. Everyone wants to be like her, but everyone doesn't like her. An enchanting tale of difference between kids of this world. I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Stargirl will make you think
Review: "Stargirl" is a refreshing, well-written book that will challenge readers to stay true to themselves. Spiritual, self assured and talented Stargirl arrives at Arizona's Mica High School and immediately starts a buzz: why is she so different? At first her uniqueness is met with popularity, but as she continues to serenade strangers with her ukulele, dress differently and play with her pet rat Cinnamon, she becomes misunderstood and unpopular. The only one to stick by her is her newfound boyfriend Leo (the book's narrator), but when he is shunned for being around Stargirl, he begins to shy away from her too. Stargirl is immune to the hostility and contempt thrown in her direction - her immunity is unbelievable at times, but that's not the point. The point is she remains true to her convictions, even though she does make one ill-fated attempt to fit in. Spinelli creates an incredibly realistic portrayal of high school life and the struggle to fit in with everyone else while trying to remain an individual.
Rating:
Summary: The Next Newberry
Review: I teach High School English and have taught middle school for eight years. This book will catch on with kids. I think it has a good shot at the Newbery as well. I hope other teachers will take a look.
|
