A modernday classic and new york times bestseller from newbery medalist jerry spinelli. This resource has differentiated activities that you can use to teach indepth comprehension skills for this novel. She captures leo borlock s heart with just one smile. The book centers on an eccentric and compassionate 10th grade student at mica area high school in arizona named susan stargirl caraway, who has spent her previous years in homeschooling. Print copies of the stargirl literature circle questions printable for students. Stargirl teaching ideas, free activity, book unit samples stargirl starts on the first day of eleventh grade for our narrator, leo borlock. She was the faintest scent of a cactus flower, the flitting shadow of an elf owl. Dialogue, plot, and supporting cast are strong the problem here is stargirl herself.
When stargirl arrives at mica high school, people notice her. That question, readers, is what stargirl is all about. Stargirl teaches leo the greeting card game on page 114. Book to boogie is a monthly series that pairs picture books with dance and movement activities for preschool story time. Stargirl is a young adult novel written by american author jerry spinelli and first published in 2000. Stargirl the book check out the stargirl book unit with this free sample. Almost like the story itself, grace stargirl is a spark of character and wonder surrounded by average characters and directing. Stargirl by jerry spinelli monkeynotes summary study guide. Jan 18, 2016 i really want to write a cyberpunk story but i cant come up with a developed plot of concrete ideas. She may have been homeschooled, may not have seen much tv, but despite her name, she has lived on planet earth for 15 years, and her naivete is overplayed and annoying.
Leo complained that she left before the school year was over. Jerry spinelli booklist jerry spinelli message board. Critics praise the stargirl character, and its overall message of nonconformity. As you read the book stargirl, youllstart to get more and more ideas about things you can do. Planet book club offers a lesson plan for the novel stargirl by jerry spinelli. Jerry spinellis stargirl, published in 2000, is a young adult novel dealing with the. Leo is an average boy who is not popular, but not geeky, he goes to a school where everyone is basicly the same, where everyone tries to fit in. Supersummary, a modern alternative to sparknotes and cliffsnotes, offers highquality study guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics. It was a new york times bestseller, a parents choice gold award winner, an ala top ten best books for young adults award winner, and a publishers weekly best book of the. Eleventhgrader leo borlock cannot quite believe the new student who calls herself stargirl.
Stargirl caraway was her name, or at least it was the name she announced to everyone in homeroom that first morning of classes. She captures leo borlocks heart with just one smile. In love, stargirl, stargirl is a lot less confident than she seemed in the first book. Comprehension by chapter, vocabulary challenges, creative reading response activities and projects, tests, and much more. In this novel, the major problem is the way stargirl is treated as an outsider by the students and peers at her new high school. It picks up where the previous novel left off after stargirl left mica high and describes her bittersweet memories in the town of mica, arizona along. Love, stargirl is a 2007 young adult novel by jerry spinelli. The other students had difficulty understanding her when she arrived. If everyone had taken the time to fully understand her, like leo did, everyone would have realized the. Harts film doesnt alter the heartbreak of the books ending, but a slight.
I loved the concept and jerry spinellis cast of characters leap right off the page at you. Her hair is the color of sand and falls to her shoulders. What do you think is the thememoralmessage of this book. Throughout the story, archie helps leo understand stargirl and his feelings.
This becomes clear when he tells us about his love of porcupine ties. Planet book club novels stargirl small planet communications. Free stargirl worksheets and literature unit for teachers. Stargirl came back to school and she was totally different. A girl who disguises herself as a boy has set out to be a drug dealer since its the last option she has in order to make money and support herself. Stargirl shows up at mica high school one day and she is unlike anything any of them have seen before. But by the end of the book, shes totally cool with who she is. Stargirl novel activities unit by esthers books world tpt. In this lesson, we will explore the element of climax in the novel stargirl by jerry spinelli. Parents need to know that stargirl is a sort of supernatural character who is difficult to encapsulate, despite her classmates repeated attempts to pigeonhole her. Stargirl really listened when leo said that no one liked her and that she is a nobody. Stargirl explores a character that doesnt try to fit in and is still happy in her own skin. Their attack reveals one of the central ideas of the novel. A sequel love, stargirl was released on august 14, 2007.
Stargirl was the unusual new girl who went from being the joke of the school to the most popular. On the back of your poster explain why this part is your favorite and why it was significant in the book. Formerly homeschooled, stargirl comes to their arizona high school with a pet rat and a ukulele, wild clothes and amazing habits. Spinelli was already a celebrated childrens author by the time the book was written and it met with critical success, being lauded for its message of nonconformity. Stargirl is one for the ages this book has changed me, i aspire to be like stargirl she is unique and amazing in her own way.
A literaturebased curriculum discusses stargirl within a themed multi book unit along with three other stories bud, not buddy by christopher paul curtis, gathering blue by lois lowry, and monkey island by paula fox. Study questions, project ideas and discussion topics based on important themes running throughout stargirl by jerry spinelli. My friend told me after i read it you only have one chance to be the real you, yes its scary and tough and not everyone will accept you but you must be able to live your life freely and happily stargirl does just that. Project the time line into leos future, after the book has ended. This site provides materials summary, links, outline for the lesson.
Few parents will have objections to the content, but there is one scene in particular where stargirls peers verbally attack her on a television show. Star girl summarybook trailor english project youtube. It is 82 pages of material to use before, during, and. Stargirl is a young adult novel by the writer jerry spinelli that was published in the year 2000. The main purpose of this book is to show the contrasts between the peaceful city of london and the city of paris, tearing itself apart in revolution. Diana mitchells 50 alternatives to the book report, for more project ideas that may relate to your theme. Meanwhile, here is a little list ofsuggestions that will help you start to think of things you can do. She will remind them of favorite movie characters that do crazy things. Stargirl has received a lot of praise from critics. Stargirl knows that true love is all about acceptance. Stargirl, who up till now has been homeschooled, starts school at mica high as a tenth grader, where leo is starting his eleventh grade year. In this novel, the major problem is the way stargirl is treated as. Through this seemingly small detail about him, a whole series of spectacular events is placed in motion. The book is the sequel to the new york times bestselling book, stargirl, and centers on the worlds longest letter in diary form.
As stargirl marched out, i could see hillari kimble across the lunchroom rising from her seat, pointing, saying something i could not. The prologue wastes no time telling us that the narrator, leo borlock, is attracted to the unusual in our world. This onepage guide includes a plot summary and brief analysis of stargirl by jerry spinelli. What is the main problem in this book and how was it resolved. Apr 12, 2020 stargirl in us theaters march, 2020 starring grace vanderwaal, graham verchere, karan brar, maximiliano hernandez. The book is not written as well as some others at this level and by this author some plot devices and characters are a little thin but it is a great source for discussions of tolerance of differences, the importance of individuality, and the influence of peer pressure, among other topics. See more ideas about novel studies, reading lesson plans, 6th grade reading. Create a poster using magazines or your own drawings that portrays your favorite scene from stargirl. See more ideas about literature circles, star girl and 6th grade english. Anyone who had not yet had the opportunity to meet the new girl.
Jan 15, 2008 i havent read the book in a while and i have to write a report on it, can any of you guys refresh me on what the main idea the book was not the summary. The novel takes the form of the worlds longest letter, in diary form, going from date to date through a little more than a years time. This prezi is about the book stargirl, this book is by. Falling action stargirl accepts the fact that leo can not love her for who she is. Gone, for the most part, is that magically effervescent spirit that made her such an intriguing mystery. Chances are you may have already read something written by jerry spinelli.
I absolutely detested every single character in this book that wasnt stargirl herself. The plot in a novel consists of introduction, conflict, rising action, climax. This leads to her ultimate downfall from popularity. This book was intriguing and just amazing to intake. Stargirl is a young adult novel written by american author jerry spinelli and first published in 2000 stargirl was well received by critics, who praised stargirls character and the novels overall message of nonconformity.
Free stargirl study unit worksheets for teachers to print. Stargirl by jerry spinelli monkeynotes summary study. Teenager courtney whitmore joins the justice society of america. The book i read was stargirl written by jerry spinelli. We can tell that throughout the book, the one character that stays consistent in stargirl s life is this rat. Giant interactive plot diagram for the novel stargirl reading lessons, teaching. She goes to the ocotillo ball by herself and has a blast. After the next game, where mahs suffers a seasonending humiliating defeat, an unknown student hits stargirl in the face with a ripe tomato. Jan 01, 2007 love, stargirl picks up a year after stargirl ends and reveals the new life of the beloved character who moved away so suddenly at the end of stargirl. Leo told her that she should care about what the world thinks of her and if she doesnt, people will make fun of her. Stargirl was well received by critics, who praised stargirls character and the novels overall message of nonconformity. Throughout the book, stargirl joins a cheerleading team, meets leo, and heightens her popularity status at school. Stargirl paper prompt teaching, teaching fun, essay prompts. Giant interactive plot diagram for the novel stargirl plot diagram all access pass giant plot diagram.
The sample includes vocabulary, comprehension questions, and a constructed writing prompt for chapters. From the day she arrives at quiet mica high in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of stargirl, stargirl. This novel activities resource unit will help you to teach a lot of comprehension skills. The main character of this book is susan caraway, but everyone knows her as stargirl. Jerry spinelli is the author of more than a dozen books for young readers, including maniac magee, winner of the newbery medal, and stargirl, a new york times bestseller and an ala top ten best book for young adults. Great supplemental information for school essays and projects. Stargirl by jerry spinelli lea hernandezs mini collection. Both girls and boys can relate to the themes in this story. Stargirl was well received by critics, who praised stargirl s character and the novels overall message of nonconformity. She sparks a schoolspirit revolution with just one cheer. In this lesson, we will explore the element of climax in the novel stargirl. The epitome of a free spirit, stargirl breezes through life singing happy birthday to students in the cafeteria with her ukulele in hand and her pet rat in her schoolbag.
Students love stargirl s antics throughout the novel. Spinelli made his picture book debut with my daddy and me, a loving tribute to fathers and sons. Leo wanted stargirl to change because he wanted the others to like them, both himself and stargirl. The conflict of a plot is the major problem experienced by the protagonist. Still, leo balks at the idea sensing it might not be the right thing to do. She spends a good portion of the book pining for leo, and feeling depressed and sad. In its place is a more realistic girl with whom the reader can identify. The story picks up two years later with the arrival of stargirl caraway at leos school, mica high. Do not come for me about accuracy to the book or movie because i wasnt trying to make it look anything like the book or movie. She stopped at an empty table, laid down her bag, slung the. Part of understanding a story is exploring how the author uses the plot elements to tell the story and convey ideas. Stargirl book series 2 books all formats kindle edition.
If you teach the book stargirl, this resource will help you greatly. See more ideas about novels, literature circles and star girl. A homeschooled teenage girl enrolls in an arizona high school, altering the ecosystem of the student body with her nonconformity. She immediately starts a stir with her wacky outfits and even more wacky behavior. This is apparent in the very first line of the book, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times this is a contrast of the two cities, london, the tranquil home of mr. She did carry a large canvas bag with a lifesize sunflower painted on it.
She sings happy birthday to classmates in the lunchroom, props a small. It is based on the novel stargirl by jerry spinelli. They were disgusting, judgmental, and overall shitty people. Students love stargirls antics throughout the novel. One of the themes, or morals of this story is never judge a book by its cover. In her relationship with leo, she couldnt really accept herself, because leo couldnt accept her. Mar, 2020 almost like the story itself, grace stargirl is a spark of character and wonder surrounded by average characters and directing. The one idea that i have that is very underdeveloped is this. Her unique personality was fun for a while, but when the basketball team lost and blamed her, she. Short plot chapter summary synopsis stargirl left homeschooling and enrolled in the tenth grade of a public high school in arizona. Filmmaker julia hart explains the change indiewire. This stargirl novel unit, 37page student packet includes. Newberywinning spinelli spins a magical and heartbreaking tale from the stuff of high school. Nov, 2001 i absolutely detested every single character in this book that wasnt stargirl herself.
The students distrust of stargirl reaches a head at the hot seat taping, when students have a chance to confront stargirl directly. However, she left a lasting impression on leo and the other students at mica high. It was a new york times bestseller, a parents choice gold award winner, a publishers weekly best book of the year, and received other numerous awards and honors. Youre supposed to see how shitty these people treat stargirl and realize that you. The drugs in this society are like those neural implants that people get and. Cite examples from the book that show how archie helps one of the main characters. The late late show with james corden recommended for you. He is the author of several wonderful books for young readers, including maniac mcgee, which won the newbery medal, which is a pretty big deal.
May 24, 2011 you are now a member of the sunflower club, and it is your duty to do something nice forsomeone each day, whether you really know the person or not. As the book takes a turn, she starts the lose friend after friend. Monkeynotes study guides download storedownloadable study guidesbook summary,book notes,notes,chapter summarysynopsis. Stargirl angers the school by comforting a player from the opposing team when he breaks his ankle. Stargirl s entrance to school is a big deal for all the students in this small arizona town. Conflict short summary synopsis protagonist antagonist themes mood climax by jerry spinelli. Prepare a short speech for an oratorical contest on a topic such as have the courage to be yourself. Ive met people like stargirl in the real world, and it is amazing how much one person can transform everyone around them. This study guide consists of approximately 40 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of stargirl. It was a new york times bestseller, a parents choice gold award winner, an ala top ten best books for young adults award winner, and a publishers weekly best book of the year.
Stargirl, was the new york times bestseller and an ala top ten best book for young adults. Stargirl is a touching and thoughtful book, a celebration of individualism and a condemnation of the kind of society that would stifle it. Everything you need to know about stargirl movie 2020. It is 82 pages of material to use before, during, and after reading the novel. This meaning that no one should have judged star girl by the way she appeared or by the way of her being different. It was the first day of school at mica high school and the halls are buzzing about the new girl who calls herself.