Why I bought it? I was looking through the YA section of the BN and it was facing out and the cover caught my eye. I already knew about Jerry Spinelli and the back of the book hook was interesting, so... sold.
Synopsis: Stargirl has been homeschooled her whole life and decides that she wants to go to school with the other kids. She's unique and fresh and makes quite an impression on them. Leo falls for her, but he has a hard time accepting her as she is. When the kids at school turn on her Leo convinces her to try to be normal. Will that be the end of Stargirl? How will she be able to thrive in conformity?
What I thought? This read is profound and moving and an utter must for pre-teens and teenagers. I loved it. Stargirl is such a compelling character. I found myself completely under her power. You will love her and wish you could be her (at least be as strong as she is). She is a personality that you will think about long after you have finished reading. (I actually read this a good while ago and still think about it. With last week's vacation that didn't allow much reading time and beta reading for friends, I haven't gotten a new book done for this week, so I pulled it out to review today.) Along with Stargirl's ups and downs, Leo's struggle is engrossing and understandable--so human. If you haven't read it yet, read it. It's not that long. 186 pages that fly by.
My Rating: ***** (It gets even better on re-reading.)
My Daughter's Rating: *****+ (She actually gave it 10 stars, but as you all know she will not follow the conventions of the 5 star system. At least you know that she REALLY liked it. For those who don't know, she's 14.)
Cleanness Score: 2 out of 10 There is really nothing much there. Spinelli is pretty good about that sort of thing. It only gets a 2 because of the psychological intrigue.
It appears that a movie is in the works. Several websites say that Nickelodeon has the rights. With any good book being made into a movie, I worry that they will ruin the story--but especially so here. It's such a charming story. I hope they don't mangle it.
19 comments:
Oooh, that is a great cover! Thanks for the review too... now I'm off to find this on Amazon:)
Movies out of books almost always get mangled, unfortunately. That is a cool cover!
Kate, I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think when you read it.
Glam, yeah, I agree. Even when I enjoy the movie, I usually think it mangled the book.
Yay, I've read this one! I loved the voice of it, and how the boy changed over the course of the novel. Although ostensibly about Stargirl, the story's portrayal of how the boy changed was so subtle and brilliant. I want the sequel!
beth, Yes, the story is as much about Leo as about Stargirl. I'm going to review the sequel next week.
Very cool. I can't keep up with all your books! You're giving me a great list for summer!
Becky, I hope you enjoy them.
I LOVE this book!!!!! My friend got it for me for my birthday last year, and it was sooooo great!!! :D
Alyssa, have you read the sequel yet? I'm going to review it next week.
Does he have the best covers or what?
I haven't! I need to!!!!
Maybe I'll go get it from the library and read it over the weekend.
And we must talk soon! :)
I read this this year too, and I was intrigued. Spinelli did a great job of writing a female character. She seems very real, quirky, independent, different, but real. There is a sequel. Have you read that? I haven't yet and am wondering if it can live up to the first book.
This was an awesome book! Doesn't it have a sequel?
PJ, He does have great covers! How does he manage it?
A, you will enjoy it!
Stacy, This is definitely a book that proves that it is possible for a man to write real female characters. I have read the sequel and plan to review it next week.
Windsong, It does have a sequel and that's what I'm reviewing next week.
I rather a book version over a movie version any time.
The cover is very cool, btw.
Rena, me too.
I think I saw a comic review of this on Unshelved once. It's one I'd consider buying for my daughter in a few years (she's 7).
Lei, I'll have to go check out that review. Have you read it yet?
I've picked this book up several times, but not read it yet. Thanks for the good review -- now I can add it to the pile!
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