The novel then follows Leo's conflict between his relationship with Stargirl, and the peer pressure of his classmates.Ī sequel, Love, Stargirl was released in 2007.ĭisney produced a live-action film adaptation that came out in 2020 on Disney+. This, however, does not last during the basketball season, Stargirl's insistence on cheering for the other team as well angers her classmates, and she is eventually shunned by the school. Many break free from the conformity that had held the school before. Stargirl is, after a time, accepted by the school, and other students begin mimicking her. Meanwhile, Leo finds himself falling for her. The school has no idea what to make of her. Stargirl quickly proves herself the most unusual student to ever come to Mica High she utterly shuns conformity, wearing peculiar clothes -Native American buckskin, 1920s flapper outfits- and refusing makeup, carrying around her pet rat, dancing in the rain, decorating her desk with a tablecloth and flower, singing 'Happy Birthday' to absolutely everyone, and cheering for both teams at games. Set in Mica Area High School in Mica, Arizona, the novel follows the story of the sophomore Susan 'Stargirl' Caraway, narrated from the perspective of junior Leo Borlock. No writer guides his young characters, and his readers, past these pitfalls and challenges and toward their futures with more compassion.Stargirl is a middle grade novel by Jerry Spinelli, published in 2000.

In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.ĭon’t miss the sequel, Love, Stargirl, as well as The Warden’s Daughter, a novel about another girl who can't help but stand out. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal.

She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’ s heart with just one smile. ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME Ī modern-day classic from Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli, this beloved celebration of individuality is now an original movie on Disney+!Īnd don't miss the author's highly anticipated new novel, Dead Wednesday!

Star Girl by jerry-spinelli