Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Fans of Jerry Spinelli's STARGIRL will jump and shout when they hear about the sequel, LOVE, STARGIRL.
This was not a book that I expected to have a sequel, but in true Jerry Spinelli tradition, Stargirl's story lives on.
Moving from Arizona to Pennsylvania has Stargirl missing the desert, the cactus, and especially Leo. Although she is not absolutely certain about their continued relationship, Stargirl uses her year-long letter to keep Leo up-to-date on the events of her new life. She doesn't ever anticipate sending the letter. In fact, she mentions that Leo will most likely only get to read it if she actually sees him again.
Filled with fantastic memories and new adventures, Spinelli will have readers falling in love with Stargirl all over again. Memories of the past will remind readers of her wonderful spirit, while her new neighborhoods offer great variety. There's cute and always curious Dootsie, who introduces herself as a "human bean." Dootsie takes Stargirl to meet Betty Lou, who fears anything beyond her trailer door. Then there's Charlie, who haunts the local cemetery and his late wife's grave. Alvina, the hot-head, and Perry, the thief, add further color to the cast of characters.
Stargirl's fascination with the changing seasons and the Winter Solstice take her to Enchanted Hill to plot her own personal calendar. It feels right and it offers a way to remember the past.
Stargirl's tale is tender and honest in its straightforward simplicity. Thank you to the author for bringing back this famous character.
Fans of Jerry Spinelli's STARGIRL will jump and shout when they hear about the sequel, LOVE, STARGIRL.
This was not a book that I expected to have a sequel, but in true Jerry Spinelli tradition, Stargirl's story lives on.
Moving from Arizona to Pennsylvania has Stargirl missing the desert, the cactus, and especially Leo. Although she is not absolutely certain about their continued relationship, Stargirl uses her year-long letter to keep Leo up-to-date on the events of her new life. She doesn't ever anticipate sending the letter. In fact, she mentions that Leo will most likely only get to read it if she actually sees him again.
Filled with fantastic memories and new adventures, Spinelli will have readers falling in love with Stargirl all over again. Memories of the past will remind readers of her wonderful spirit, while her new neighborhoods offer great variety. There's cute and always curious Dootsie, who introduces herself as a "human bean." Dootsie takes Stargirl to meet Betty Lou, who fears anything beyond her trailer door. Then there's Charlie, who haunts the local cemetery and his late wife's grave. Alvina, the hot-head, and Perry, the thief, add further color to the cast of characters.
Stargirl's fascination with the changing seasons and the Winter Solstice take her to Enchanted Hill to plot her own personal calendar. It feels right and it offers a way to remember the past.
Stargirl's tale is tender and honest in its straightforward simplicity. Thank you to the author for bringing back this famous character.
I enjoyed Spinelli's follow up to Stargirl but it do t not grab me as much as the first. The almost mystical nature of the first book and the interesting method of delivery enchanted me. While I enjoy the look into Stargirl's life, there was less of a pull or urgency to it. I enjoyed the epistolary style and also the deeper insight into how Stargirl functions. Instead of the unreadable, magnetic and quirky girl from book one, we get a real, yet still remarkable person. She still carries the battlescars from Arizona, while remaining determined to withstand trials.
I suppose the lower rating results from several factors. One, I expected another whirlwind story. Two, I read it immediately after Stargirl, a world I refused to leave. I was looking for a different book, at my own peril.
Overall, I do recommend this book. Stargirl remains one of the best heroines I have come across in YA.
I suppose the lower rating results from several factors. One, I expected another whirlwind story. Two, I read it immediately after Stargirl, a world I refused to leave. I was looking for a different book, at my own peril.
Overall, I do recommend this book. Stargirl remains one of the best heroines I have come across in YA.
