Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (4/5)

Stargirl is a fictional book written by Jerry Spinelli. While it is an easy read, this novel has a high school interest level because of the message it conveys to stand out and be yourself. Stargirl shows that you shouldn’t stick to the norm. This is a very important message, especially for teens, because sometimes they feel they have to fit in with everyone else. This occurs frequently in high school because people expect you to behave a certain way or get certain grades. They assume you fit one specific stereotype because it’s easier to remember others by classifying them. However, this categorization can have negative effects because it prevents people from freely expressing themselves.

This situation is clearly represented in Stargirl. Leo is a junior at Mica High. Everyone at the school does the same things. No one stands out until a sophomore with an unusual name and ukulele comes into Mica High. She wears out of the ordinary clothes and brings her pet rat wherever she goes. Even though she has been homeschooled until now, she greets random strangers at school. After a while, Stargirl brings spirit to school, a wave of energy and excitement. Students start to branch out and express themselves like her. Leo even falls in love with her. Everything seems perfect at school until a sports game occurred where she helped someone from the opposing team who got injured. The students at Mica High suddenly look at her with disdain. They become angry about how she is supporting the enemy team. The only way she can escape this hate is by becoming normal.

This book is a reminder of how others can judge someone just because of their differences. This is interesting because it doesn’t just happen during teenage years, but in the future and out in the real world as well. Nonetheless, I agree with Spinelli’s message: you shouldn’t let people stop you from being your true self. Stargirl, a book that deceivingly looks like an elementary read, is able to relate to teenagers by showing the difficulties of growing up and trying to find yourself.