STARGIRL by Jerry SpinelliI have a fantastic little book that we can read. It is fast, easy and has a great little message. It's called Star Girl! I have a bout 15 copies of it because the counseling center gave it to ALL the kids at the middle school this year to read together, and we did a social skills unit around it. So, I rounded up a bunch of copies after the kids were done reading. I could mail them, or it anyone is close by, I could swing it by, or they could pick it up in Herriman."
-Leslie
3 comments:
Okay, I will review this book now. I wait and wait for someone else to go first, but alas, I will tell you all what I think. Keep in mind that a good book review can broaden and change one's mind, appreciation for, or understanding of a book (this was the case with my ward book club book, The Giver) so feel free to broaden my horizons.
I want to buy this book for a few young girls that I know (ages 12 and 13). The book is exagerated making the message of the book clear and undesputable. The writing is simple and straight forward so a youth who isn't a wonderful reader can grasp everything this book is about. And mostly, the book is about individuality and being who you are despite the world around you and that is a good message. I applaud the purpose and intent of the book in view of the audience it is intended for. It is a captivating, simple story with a great message. And if anyone knows of a books such as this for a young male reader (a 13 yr old boy who reads at a 4th grade level), let me know. I want to discover a short, fast read to engage a boy who has yet to read a book on his own because of his difficulty reading. Help...
I wish I were a lot more like Stargirl in High School. I would have benefited from daring to try a few more things, caring less about peers perception of me, and being less reserved. I have regrets. I think I could have done more and been better at things but I hung back afraid to fail or look foolish. I still avoid embarrassing moments at all cost. It is still very difficult to talk in groups for fear of saying something foolish. Dear friends, such as yourselves, who are positive and kind have helped me hurdle this barrier in many ways (did you know I was painfully shy - to the point of akwardness for myself and everyone around me - for many many years?) My paino teacher, Julie Beck no less, thought I was the most difficult child she had ever encountered (she admited to my mom that I made her want to pull her hair out) because I would meet all her questions and comments with a blank stare. I could go entire days in jr high without saying a single word! My point is, that I needed a bit of Stargirl in me. I needed her courage. But honestly, I wouldn't have known who I was at that stage in life - I was very influenced and pallable (sp?). Again, I needed more Stargirl in me.
However, I think conforming is often the right way too, a different way for different kinds of people. A world of Stargirls would be good if everyone was kind with good intentions and hearts, but people are not all good and wearing your evils on your sleeves, so to speak, would make a very ugly world. Also, I prefer to think that you can have individuality and personality and nonconformity and not be a Stargirl but any person we may see on the street. What about the girl that gives no thought to dress, doesn't own a ukulele or have a pet rat, but looses herself in books or writing. Less obvious but just as individual. Stargirl was a certain girl and was who she was and worth writing a book about but there are other certain girls who are not so standoutish but equally noteworthy.
Book discussion continued...
Stargirl tried to conform for Leo and she was unhappy. Stargirl was either popular or treated as the plague and I would hope there would be more Dori's. I would also hope there would be more Stargirls in their own, subtle ways. I believe, too, there are young people acting like Stargirls who have themselves all wrong and they are sometimes annoying. I do remember junior high and high school being a different kind of understanding of reality. That is why a book like this is given to all 8th graders, I suppose (I applaud the idea, Leslie).
I liked the book just the way it is considereing what there is to be gained from it. I would have my daughters read it when old enough. There are things to learn - Leslie, please share your experiences and book units regarding this book. I thank you for recommending this book. (And I appologize for my poor spelling).
Now, tell me, everyone, what you thought.
Glad for Books,
ShaLisa
okay . . . I totally dropped the ball on this one. I have books ready to send to you guys, and i didn't get them out, and here it is September. Life got ridiculously crazy when I started my new job, and I'm soooo sorry that I didn't get the books out. I'm really glad that you found a copy and that you loved it!
I LOVED this book. Like you said, it's an easy read, and I think it's truly a feel good book.
At school we had a STAR wall. If someone did something nice for you, you'd add their name anonymously to a star and hang it on the wall. Soon the wall was COVERED in Stars, as people were trying to do nice things for each other.
We had lots of great discussions in our advisory classes about what it means to conform, to be yourself, peer pressure, and treating others with respect.
I think the kids really got a lot out of it, and our STAR wall was a big success. Kids were super excited about seeing their name on the wall!
Sorry that I didn't get the books out to those of you who asked!
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