‘Stargirl’ was published in 2000 by Jerry Spinelli. The story is set in a high school in Arizona and explores themes of individuality, nonconformity, and the pressures of social acceptance. The story challenges its readers to consider the cost and rewards of being different and the complicated nature of social acceptance.
Leo Borlock
The narrator of the story is Leo Borlock. Leo, a junior at Mica High, becomes infatuated with a strange student named Stargirl. He’s initially captivated by her uniqueness but also struggles with the social repercussions of being associated with her.
Throughout, he tries to make sense of what is right and wrong but doesn’t always make what readers are going to think is the right decision. For example, putting Stargirl on the TV show Hot Seat. He becomes more open to learning and experiencing life as he grows closer to her and even spends more time appreciating the world around him.
At the end of the book, when Stargirl moves away, Leo isn’t sure what happened to her, but he does receive a birthday present years later from her. His journey is self-discovery and grappling with the tension between individuality and conformity.
Stargirl Caraway
Stargirl is a new student at Mica Area High School. She’s different from everyone else, often wearing unusual clothes and playing the ukulele. Her nonconformist behavior both fascinates and disturbs her classmates. She’s kind-hearted and compassionate and celebrates life in her unique way.
Throughout the book, she goes from unpopular to popular and back again. She does things that bring people to her side and then does something that alienates herself and makes people question why they liked her in the first place. From the reader’s side, she’s incredibly likable and interesting. She does things that high school students usually do not and may be regarded as a source of inspiration.
AH Brubaker (Archie)
Archie is a retired paleontologist and a friend of Leo and Stargirl. He serves as a mentor figure in the story. His home is a place of discussion and exploration for the young characters. He offers wisdom and perspective to Leo, particularly about the nature of individuality and the implications of conforming to social expectations.
He’s a kind and wise man whose home is filled with bones from his past career. Some of these are his, and others are bones that he was supposed to send out to museums but decided to keep. He welcomes students into his home anytime and is more than welcome to help them with their issues.
Kevin Quinlant
Kevin is Leo’s best friend in the novel and the co-host of the show “Hot Seat.” Kevin is initially excited about featuring Stargirl on the show, thinking it would boost ratings, but later becomes wary of her due to social pressure. He shares a number of interests with Leo and tends to agree with him, no matter what the situation is. He is very committed to the TV show and stands behind Leo when things get tough (even though it isn’t his obvious choice).
Dori Dilson
Dori is one of the few students who becomes friends with Stargirl. She’s not as concerned with what others think and appreciates Stargirl for who she is. She is a good friend, which only features a few times in the novel. She’s known for writing poems and sits with Stargirl at lunch despite the things that people say about her behind her back. No matter what happens to Stargirl’s personality, she refuses to give up on her friendship.
Hillari Kimble
Hillari is one of the villains of the novel. She repetitively shows her poor attitude throughout the book and wastes no time criticizing Stargirl and trying to tear her down. She believes that Stargirl is far too confident to be acting genuinely.
Wayne Parr
Wayne is another student at Mica High. He’s attractive but lacks a personality. He never says anything interesting, but people love him anyway, something that Leo can’t understand.
Evelyn Everybody
Evelyn Everybody is a fake character that Leo and Stargirl make up while truing to get Stargirl, known as Susan, accepted. She’s the symbol of the normal student that Stargirl strives, briefly, to be.
Peter Sinkowitz
Peter is a young boy who lives across the street from Stargirl. He’s friends with Stargirl, and she cares about him. She likes to keep track of his life and what he does on a daily basis, creating a biography of his youthful years that she plans to give to his parents so they can give it to him when he grows up.
Mr. Robineau
Mr. Robineau is the faculty advisor who works with Kevin and Leo on the “Hot Seat.” He’s not great at his job and doesn’t really help or hurt the show in anyway. Kevin and Leo keep the show incredibly well-organized without him.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is Stargirl’s pet rat.
FAQs
What makes Stargirl a unique character?
Stargirl stands out due to her unconventional behavior and attire, kind-hearted nature, and individuality. She dances to the beat of her own drum, often challenging the social norms of her high school.
How has the book been received?
‘Stargirl’ has received various awards and critical acclaim. It is frequently used in educational settings to explore its themes and is also popular among readers for its memorable characters.
Who is the main character of ‘Stargirl?’
Leo is the main character and the narrator of the novel. But readers are likely to walk away remembering Stargirl far more than they do Leo. She’s much more of an interesting character than Leo is.