Main topics and themes;
Kristy (poetryteacher27); Society's (mis)perception of those who are "different"
Erica; The othering of those who refuse to conform to societal norms, Individuality as a threat to the whole
Suggested grade level;
Kristy (poetryteacher27); 6th, 7th, maybe 8th (setting is in a high school, so it may be good for readers who may be behind but do not want to read 'kids books')
Erica; Agreed. Although set in 11th grade, this is no discussion of typical 11th grade concern. No mention of impending escape via graduation, college applications, or any other typical concerns of a 16 year old.
Initial thoughts after reading;
Kristy (poetryteacher27); I want to be Stargirl, What the heck is wrong with Leo?,Why does he never get over her? Slightly predictable plot, Should have a young audience (younger than the characters in the story), The very ending feels contrived though I am happy over the "leaving without a trace" moment
Erica; Like the open ending. Slightly disappointed by all of the missed opportunities. Very stereotypical herd mentality in the high school. A complete lack of outsiders beyond Stargirl.
Summary, opinions, and analysis;
Kristy (poetryteacher27); For the age it is targeting, Stargirl is a great piece that functions as a lesson on individuality and the issues with conformity. The problem with Stargirl, however, is the direction it almost takes, but does not. For instance, with the character William Parr, the story had such a build up with him as a leader of the school, as involuntary as this position may be, it is so disappointing when it isn't him who signed up to join the ukulele band or who asks Stargirl to the dance. I wanted to see him break free from his very flat character for at least a moment. How great would it have been to say to the reader "look! even the most conformed of the group is unique in some way!" Despite missed opportunities like this, Stargirl serves it's purpose well. Stargirl's peers only like her when they can get something from her unique, non-conformist, ways. It is a statement on how we are often uncomfortable with uniqueness unless we can use it to our advantage. The moment we can not understand motivations for actions, we deem them as weird or odd. This could lead to a great classroom discussion at an age where children are far too susceptible to other people's opinions.
Erica; The story is almost allegorical in the fact that all characters stay true to their nature. Stargirl, despite her independent thought, finds the best option to be running away from the situation she faces. Leo ages but does not seem to mature much mentally. Even fifteen years later, he is waiting for Stargirl to return for another chance. Many of the characters could have been flushed out more and evolved through their association with Stargirl. This lack of change leaves the reader feeling slightly unfulfilled. While we all wish we knew a Stargirl, I'd like to think she might alter those around her more.
Up next; Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Kristy (poetryteacher27); Society's (mis)perception of those who are "different"
Erica; The othering of those who refuse to conform to societal norms, Individuality as a threat to the whole
Suggested grade level;
Kristy (poetryteacher27); 6th, 7th, maybe 8th (setting is in a high school, so it may be good for readers who may be behind but do not want to read 'kids books')
Erica; Agreed. Although set in 11th grade, this is no discussion of typical 11th grade concern. No mention of impending escape via graduation, college applications, or any other typical concerns of a 16 year old.
Initial thoughts after reading;
Kristy (poetryteacher27); I want to be Stargirl, What the heck is wrong with Leo?,Why does he never get over her? Slightly predictable plot, Should have a young audience (younger than the characters in the story), The very ending feels contrived though I am happy over the "leaving without a trace" moment
Erica; Like the open ending. Slightly disappointed by all of the missed opportunities. Very stereotypical herd mentality in the high school. A complete lack of outsiders beyond Stargirl.
Summary, opinions, and analysis;
Kristy (poetryteacher27); For the age it is targeting, Stargirl is a great piece that functions as a lesson on individuality and the issues with conformity. The problem with Stargirl, however, is the direction it almost takes, but does not. For instance, with the character William Parr, the story had such a build up with him as a leader of the school, as involuntary as this position may be, it is so disappointing when it isn't him who signed up to join the ukulele band or who asks Stargirl to the dance. I wanted to see him break free from his very flat character for at least a moment. How great would it have been to say to the reader "look! even the most conformed of the group is unique in some way!" Despite missed opportunities like this, Stargirl serves it's purpose well. Stargirl's peers only like her when they can get something from her unique, non-conformist, ways. It is a statement on how we are often uncomfortable with uniqueness unless we can use it to our advantage. The moment we can not understand motivations for actions, we deem them as weird or odd. This could lead to a great classroom discussion at an age where children are far too susceptible to other people's opinions.
Erica; The story is almost allegorical in the fact that all characters stay true to their nature. Stargirl, despite her independent thought, finds the best option to be running away from the situation she faces. Leo ages but does not seem to mature much mentally. Even fifteen years later, he is waiting for Stargirl to return for another chance. Many of the characters could have been flushed out more and evolved through their association with Stargirl. This lack of change leaves the reader feeling slightly unfulfilled. While we all wish we knew a Stargirl, I'd like to think she might alter those around her more.
Up next; Coraline by Neil Gaiman
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