Book Review: Stargirl

Stargirl
By Jerry Spinelli
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 14, 2002
ISBN: 9780375822339

This is the third time I read Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl, so I'm sure that says something. Before reviewing it, I'd like to tell you a little story -

During my sophomore year of college, I had this roommate named Renee, or Ney for short. Ney was the most extraordinary person I ever met. To sound extremely cliche, she marched to her own beat. She wore whatever outfit made her happy, even if it included two different colored socks. She made little cards and notes out of construction paper, as a 5th grader might do, and would leave them on my desk for me to find after class. They always said something simple like "hi" or "have a great day!" She had the biggest smile, the biggest laugh, the biggest heart. If you were sad, she was sad. If you were happy, she was happy - she took on your emotions. She helped the elderly cross the road and cooed at every baby. I still remember her glowing eyes the day she found Flight of the Navigator, her favorite movie, on VHS in our campus's Wednesday marketplace. Quite simply, she was an inspiration.

We stayed close after being roommates, but, like most people end up doing, drifted a bit when she moved to another state. While she was gone, I read Jerry Spinelli's young adult novel, Stargirl, and was convinced it was written for Renee. That April, when she visited, I gave her my copy of the book - I knew she'd like it better than a new copy because it was worn, and loved and worth so much more. As I predicted, she loved, and related to, the book.

A few years later, when we were both far from our college hometown and going on a year of not speaking, not because of a fight, just because of distance, I came upon the sequel to Stargirl - Love, Stargirl. I bought it, read it, and sent it to Renee. No call, no, warning, I just sent it with a little card made out of construction paper, much like the ones I made in 5th grade and she made in college. The thing was, we didn't need a re-introduction, a long phone call of catching up. We didn't need a reason to be friends. We just were. And so, the little book opened communication again and she, once more, became my Stargirl.

Stargirl is, essentially, a book about a girl who isn't afraid to be different, to be unique. In a town where everyone is alike and in a high school where everyone is a collective "we," she stands out and challenges people to look at things differently. Notice things. Read between the lines and not always go for the obvious.

LeoBorlock started out his 11th grade year of high school assuming it would be like every other year, but that day, something was different. People were whispering, pointing. And then he saw it - her. Stargirl - a girl who was as mysterious as her own name. With her floor length peasant skirt and ukulele strapped to her back, she said hi to people she didn't know in the hall, sang happy birthday in the cafeteria, and wore whatever she wanted, avoiding all fashion sense. For her, it wasn't how much you had, but how much you gave.

At first, the students of Mica High are scared. Then, with a dazzling display of school spirit, they're enchanted, behind her. Even Leo, who wants to stay as normal and unremarkable as his peers, finds her utterly enchanting. And then, just as quickly, everyone turns on her. Shuns her. But not Leo. He stays by her, in a trance from her beauty and free spirit. But it's not easy. For Leo, he has to learn who, or what, is more important - the girl he likes, or the rest of his high school class. And the choice isn't easy.

Stargirl shows kids that you shouldn't have to be like everyone else. That standing out could be fun, inspirational. And that you should always, always listen to your heart. Because if you don't, the results could be tragic.

I love Stargirl, not just for what the book stands for, but for how it makes me feel. At 25 it still makes me want to wave at strangers or leave pennies on the sidewalks for kids to find. I love the character of Stargirl and how strong she is. I love the character of Leo for how human he is. And I love the character of Archie, the old, retired schoolteacher who acts a bit like Mr. Miyagi-dispensing wisdom each chapter-because of how necessary he is.

The book is adorable and great for any kid-or adult-to read. It inspires you to take action, lead the crowd. Throw your head back and laugh without worrying about consequences because life isn't about being confined. It's about breaking free.

Book trailer for the sequel

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