70 pages • 2 hours read
Jerry SpinelliStargirl
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Essay Topics
Why does Spinelli write Stargirl from Leo’s perspective? What are the advantages of this point of view? What are the disadvantages? How would the story be different if Stargirl was the narrator?
What does Stargirl see in Leo? Why does she choose him to be her boyfriend? What does Leo see in Stargirl that makes him want to be with her? What things about Stargirl does Leo dislike?
When the Mica High students warm to Stargirl and cheer her for winning the local speech competition, Leo says, “Such was the acclamation we gave her in those last weeks of the year. But we also gave something to ourselves.” (39). What do the students give to themselves? What changes does Stargirl bring to Mica High? How does Leo feel about these changes?
Describe both Leo’s and Stargirl’s outlooks on life, such as things they value and how they express themselves. How are they similar? How do they differ? Which philosophy is closer to your own? Does reading Stargirl make you want to change anything about your approach to life? If so, what would you change? Explain.
Archie calls Stargirl a “star person” (177). What does he mean? Do you think Stargirl’s name is appropriate for this time in her life? Why or why not?
Hillari Kimble hates Stargirl from the moment she arrives at Mica High. Why does she dislike Stargirl so much? How does Hillari turn the students against Stargirl? Why do you think she does this? What does Hillari want for Mica High? How does it differ from what Stargirl brings to the school?
Do you like Stargirl? Why or why not? Is she a realistic character? How do you think students would react if she came to a high school today? Would they react the same way as the Mica High students or differently? Why or why not?
Archie tries to guide Leo in understanding Stargirl, telling him that he will know Stargirl “more by your questions than by her answers. Keep looking at her long enough. One day you might see someone you know” (35). What does Archie mean by these remarks? What will Leo’s own questions teach him? What does Leo learn about himself by the end of the novel?
Leo chooses the safety of his peer group over his relationship with Stargirl. Why does he make this choice? Do you believe it was the right decision? Why or why not?
Why does Archie bury Barney? What word do you think Archie writes on the paper he buries with the old skull? What evidence can you give for your opinion?
Related Titles
By Jerry Spinelli
