On Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl

This is another review on a YA reading challenge in Read Philippines.

 

Photo from Paroxymal

"She was elusive. She was today. She was tomorrow. She was the faintest scent of a cactus flower, the flitting shadow of an elf owl. We did not know what to make of her. In our minds we tried to pin her to a cork board like a butterfly, but the pin merely went through and away she flew"

Synopsis: 
One Friday night, in answer to a hurried call from Kevin, Leo rushed to the football stadium where the school's football team was playing. The band was performing at half-time. Usually the band was not notable, but this night Stargirl was with them on the field. She was the center of everyone’s attention and remained so even after the band left the field. She stayed on the field as the players tried to resume the game. When a policeman came after her, she punted the ball and ran out of the stadium. Somehow, Stargirl’s actions and spirit ignited the fans’ spirit. 


The team spirit stayed alive after the game, too. Word of what had happened spread among the students. Stargirl’s enthusiastic spirit extended even to the students who had not gone to the game. Many more people attended the next home game. During the first half of the game and through the half-time activities, team spirit was high. Everyone was waiting for Stargirl to make an appearance and see what she would do next. But, when the second half started and she had not appeared, team spirit took a nosedive.
On the next school day, Mallory Stillwell, the cheerleaders’ captain, invited Stargirl to join the cheerleading team. And, she did. She even wore the same clothes that the other cheerleaders wore.
The days that followed were good days for Stargirl. Everyone was interested in her in a good way. They did hold back somewhat because, after all, she was different. But, nonetheless, they enjoyed her antics.
 ---Excerpt from TheBestNotes---

MY THOUGHTS...



One thing that made me choose Stargirl is this quote. It somehow defines an extraordinary girl. Someone unusual that mixes both weird and fun in a way most people will not understand.
Jerry Spinneli's Stargirl is one of a kind. Even in the prologue, one will automatically think that there is something unusual with the story. That's because of the part when Leo claims his love for porcupine ties.

So when he met Stargirl, somehow, he was amused (or is it right to say "he loved her"?) because he visually sees a part of him in her. (Just a theory)

 

Photo from Dejeca

I think, we all have a weird side. We have a Stargirl part of us but unlike Stargirl who does all weirdness without minding what would other say and just being true to herself, we become like Leo. We hide the weirdness(fun side) in order to fit in to the crowd to the point that we leave someone we like just for the approval of many. When Leo dumped Stargirl, that made sad.

In someways, like Stargirl, when we get attached to someone we like, we tend to change to please them and forget who we truly are. Just like how she tried to be just like everyone else. But in the end, it's only ourselves and God who know who we truly are individually.

In general, I'll give Spinnelli a 3 star for Stargirl for it's plot and the lesson bound with story.

P.S. I found this cute Stargirl scrap note which is nice because it contains the quotable quote I just mentioned in the beginning of this post, technical stuff about writing and things about Stargirl.

Photo from Glogster