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Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Summary

When Stargirl enrolls at Mica High, all of the students are in awe, but she especially captures the attention of Leo Borlock, a junior at Mica. With her long flowing brown hair, plain face, and rather eccentric outfits, her classmates don't know whether to love her for having the guts to be different, or hate her for breaking the rules of high school. In fact they react by doing a little bit of both. First they embrace her uniqueness by imitating her, and then, just as quickly, they turn on her for being unusual. Despite her status as outcast, Leo and Stargirl become a couple, and he experiences what it's like to be shunned. In hopes of gaining acceptance Leo encourages her to become normal. Together both Leo and Stargirl learn a lesson about conforming to the will of the group versus being yourself.

Discussion questions

  1. Do you think it is important to Stargirl to be liked? To Leo? How important is it for you to fit in?
  2. Though Stargirl seems to ignore the shunning, how do you think she really feels? Do you think it hurts her? How would you feel if you were in her place?
  3. Do you think it was a selfish act for Leo to ask Stargirl to try to become normal? If you were in his place would you do the same thing?
  4. Do you know anyone whose persona resembles that of Stargirl? How are they treated? Are they welcomed? Avoided?
  5. Do you think it was a smart idea to put Stargirl in the "Hot Seat", do you think it further increased the dislike the students at Mica High felt towards her?
  6. What does Leo learn from Archi?
  7. Describe Kevin. Do you think he is a supportive friend?
  8. Stargirl's attempt at normalcy doesn't work very well. Do you think it is easy to reinvent yourself?
  9. What do you think of Leo and Stargirl's relationship? Do you think he is a good boyfriend?
  10. What do you think of Hillari Kimble? Why do you think she disliked Stargirl more than anyone else?

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