Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Advertise
    • Mentorship
    • Editing Services
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli | Book Review

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze2 Mins Read Ages 9-12 Best Kids Stories Books into Movies Novels for Kids and Teens Teens: Young Adults
    Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Book Review
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Book Review of Stargirl
    The Children’s Book Review

    Star Girl Book Cover

    Stargirl

    Written by Jerry Spinelli

    Ages: 10+ | 186 Pages

    Publisher: Scholastic | ISBN-13: 978-0375822339

    What to Expect: Fiction, Friendship, Peer Pressure, and School Issues

    Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli stands out as an enthralling read that brilliantly encapsulates the power of individuality.

    The main idea of Stargirl revolves around the flamboyant character of Stargirl Caraway, who takes the Mica High School by storm. Her awe-inspiring personality, distinct fashion sense, and unorthodox habits are a breath of fresh air for everyone around. She fearlessly sets herself apart from the rest of the world and is unapologetically different. However, as society starts to judge and disapprove of Stargirl’s non-conformity, she faces rejection and abandons her unique identity to fit in. 

    The narrator, Leo, finds himself captivated by Stargirl’s unconventional way of life and seeks to preserve her uniqueness. However, he struggles to understand and support her when society ostracizes her. As the book progresses, readers are left to ponder the critical question of whether one should mold oneself to fit society’s expectations or stay true to one’s authentic self.

    This book is a fantastic exploration of the challenges young people face when trying to fit into society, and it adeptly shows the struggles of peer pressure. The pain and conflict Stargirl experiences as she tries to conform to societal norms are excellently portrayed and add a thought-provoking layer of complexity to this fascinating story.

    Is Stargirl a good book? Jerry Spinelli’s kid-friendly masterpiece is an absolute must-read for those who seek to imbibe the value of self-acceptance and the beauty of individuality.

    Buy the Book
    Amazon
    barnes and noble
    bookshop.org

    About the Author

    Jerry Spinelli became a children’s book author by somewhat of an accident. Over twelve years, he wrote four books for adults, and none of them were accepted by a publisher. The fifth book that he wrote was about a thirteen-year-old boy; it was rejected by adult book publishers, too. The good news is that children’s publishers loved it, and it turns out that he found his sweet spot for storytelling when writing for kids.

    Jerry Spinelli: author head-shot

    What to Read Next if You Love Stargirl

    • Rules, by Cynthia Lord
    • Loser, by Jerry Spinelli
    • Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli
    • Smile, by Raina Telgemeier

    Bianca Schulze reviewed Stargirl. Discover more books like Stargirl by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Fiction and Friendship.

    What to Read Next:

    1. The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry | Book Review
    2. Five Stupendous Steampunk Stories For Kids and Teens
    3. Padma Venkatraman’s Selfie with The Bridge Home
    4. Jake Burt, Author of The Right Hook of Devin Velma | Selfie and a Shelfie

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Friendship Jerry Spinelli Middle Grade Books Peer pressure Scholastic School Life
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleWhat Should I Do—One Thing or Two? Asher’s Distracted Lesson | Dedicated Review
    Next Article Cattitude, by Bianca Schulze and Samara Hardy | Cover Reveal
    Bianca Schulze
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • LinkedIn

    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • An Interview with Liz Kessler, Author of the ‘Emily Windsnap’ Series
    • Simone LaFray and the Bishop of Mumbai | Dedicated Review
    • Inspirational Soccer Book for Kids Compilation: 2 Books In 1: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Alex Morgan biographies for kids – Plus 101 Affirmations and Mental Training For Young Players | Dedicated Review
    • Animals Feeling Like Us, by R. M. Smith | Book Review
    • I Am Not Sophie, by Robyn Hodess | Book Review
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Professional Resources

    Book Marketing Campaigns

    Writing Coaches and Editing Services

    Mentorship

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Policies
    • Advertise
    • TCBR Buzzworthy Mentions
    • About TCBR
    © 2025 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.