Stargirl

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

‘Stargirl’ by Jerry Spinelli is regarded as one of the best young adult books of the 2000’s and is a staple of classrooms around the U.S. It’s characterized by its compassionate look at the issues that young people around the world face while they’re growing up. 

‘Stargirl‘ is a popular choice for book clubs, both those focused on young adult literature and those that include a broader range of ages.

Stargirl and Jerry Spinelli

Jerry Spinelli is a well-known young adult writer who is best known for his 2000 novel ‘Stargirl.’ He has won a number of prestigious awards, including the Newberry Medal for his work (specifically for his novel ‘Maniac Magee’).

He’s authored over 30 books throughout his career so far and commonly hones in on themes and emotions that relate to young adults and their experiences. These include ‘Wringer,’ ‘Eggs,’ and ‘Loser.’ 

The book explores a wide variety of themes that were designed to connect with young adult readers. These include individuality, conformity, and the various issues that come with adolescence. The book is known for exploring the ways that staying true to oneself can be difficult while growing up.

The narrative is told from the perspective of Leo Borlock, a junior at the school, who becomes fascinated and enamored with Stargirl.

Books Related to Stargirl

‘Stargirl’ is a well-regarded young adult novel that connects, in many ways, to some other much-loved books in the same genre. One of the best is ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ by Stephen Chbosky. This coming-of-age novel explores mental health, individuality, and the ups and downs of adolescence.

Another great option is ‘Eleanor & Park’ by Rainbow Rowell. It’s the story of two misfit young people who find love and understanding with one another. They defy social norms and expectations along the way. ‘Speak‘ by Laurie Halse Anderson is another highly recommended novel. It deals with the isolation and ostracization of a young girl in high school, similar to what Stargirl experiences.

You’re also going to want to check out ‘Looking for Alaska‘ by John Green (and any other John Green novel). The book explores the lives of a group of teenagers in a boarding school, focusing on themes of identity, belonging, and the impact one individual can have on the lives of others.

A few other good options include:

• ‘Bridge to Terabithia‘ by Katherine Paterson –  This classic novel also deals with friendship and the trials of youth.
• ‘To Kill a Mockingbird‘ by Harper Lee – is a classic that deals with social ostracization based on preconceived notions and prejudices.
• ‘The Giver‘ by Lois Lowry – This novel explores a dystopian world where individuality is suppressed for the sake of social harmony.

Legacy of Stargirl