Have you ever met someone who was not afraid to be different? In this story, the students at MICA High School are bewildered and amused by an unusual, spirited new student named Stargirl. She wears odd clothing, brings her pet rat to school with her in a big sunflower bag, carries a ukulele that she uses to serenade fellow students in the lunchroom on their birthdays, and does nice things for total strangers. When the students make fun of her, she doesn’t seem to mind. Is she real or is she just crazy?
Excerpt: page 14 – 15.
Stargirl’s enthusiasm gets her a position on the cheer-leading squad and helps jump start the basketball teams’ ratings, but when she cheers for both teams, her non-conformist behaviors turn the students against her.
This story is told through the narration of Leo, an eleventh grader who, despite his reservations about this eccentric girl, finds himself attracted to her. When they become friends, her actions affect the way the rest of the school treats them both and it’s not always good. Leo will find himself in the position to decide whether Stargirl or his friends are more important. Regardless, Stargirl has a profound effect on the school community.
This is a story about friendship, love, and acceptance of individuality. At 186 pages, this book is a short, easy to read selection. If you like the book, there is a sequel titled Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.
Recommended for grades 5-8. A picture of a ukelele may be helpful!
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