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Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is a popular young adult novel that has been widely praised for its insightful commentary on the struggles of adolescence, the importance of individuality, and the power of kindness.

 

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If you’re looking for an engaging and thought-provoking book to add to your curriculum, here are a few reasons why you should consider Stargirl:

  • Is a Relevant and Relatable Story: Stargirl tells the story of a quirky and unconventional teenager named Susan “Stargirl” Caraway, who enters an Arizona high school and turns the social hierarchy on its head. Her unique personality, strange habits, and unapologetic individuality make her an outcast at first, but also attracts a small group of admirers who are drawn to her authenticity and kindness. The novel explores themes of conformity, popularity, and social pressure, which are all relevant and relatable issues for teenagers today.
  • Promotes Empathy and Acceptance: One of the main messages of Stargirl is the importance of accepting others for who they are, rather than trying to mold them into our own image of what is “normal” or “popular.” Stargirl’s refusal to conform to social norms challenges her classmates to question their own biases and prejudices and to see the value in people who are different from themselves. The novel encourages empathy and compassion and teaches readers that kindness and understanding are powerful tools for creating a more inclusive and welcoming community.
  • Is a Well-Written and Engaging Story: Jerry Spinelli is a master storyteller, and Stargirl is a well-written and engaging novel that will capture the attention of your students from the very first page. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, the dialogue is authentic and witty, and the plot is both surprising and thought-provoking. The novel is also a relatively quick read, which makes it ideal for classroom use.
  • Sparks Discussion and Critical Thinking: Stargirl is a novel that will spark discussion and critical thinking in your classroom. The novel raises important questions about identity, conformity, individuality, and the nature of popularity. It challenges readers to think about their own beliefs and values and to consider how they can be more accepting and inclusive of others. The novel also provides opportunities for students to analyze character development, plot structure, and symbolism, and to develop their writing and critical thinking skills.
  • Standards-Aligned Text: Stargirl is a standard-aligned text that can be used to meet a variety of ELA standards. The novel covers a range of literary elements, including characterization, plot development, symbolism, and theme. It also provides opportunities for students to develop their reading comprehension, writing, and analysis skills. By using Stargirl in your classroom, you can ensure that your students are meeting the standards while also enjoying a rich and engaging literary experience.

 

See what people are saying about the Stargirl Novel Study by The Teaching Bank!

Try a free sample of the novel study for Stargirl 

 

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is a must-read for any classroom. Its relatable story, powerful themes, engaging characters, and critical thinking opportunities make it an ideal choice for teachers looking to inspire empathy, acceptance, and individuality in their students. By using this novel in your classroom, you can help your students develop their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, while also fostering a more inclusive and compassionate classroom community.

I offer a complete novel study to accompany Stargirl for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.

You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:



Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!

Click here or the image below to join my Facebook group, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank!

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