Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Characterization:
Leo: flat and dynamic
Even though Leo was the narrator, we really didn't know much about him. Throughout the book we saw him change Stargirl into a "normal" person, we also saw him change himself as he became forced into the spotlight.
Stargirl: dynamic and round
At the beginning of the book, we didn't know anything about Stargirl, besides that she was her own person, kind, and considered "strange." Later in the book, Stargirl changes who she is to fit what everyone else sees as normal, and changes her name back to Susan. We are given lots of insight into what Stargirl does that makes her the amazing and unique person she is, like how she knows so much about everyone, and what she does simply because someone else might appreciate it.
PICTURE Method
Predict- make a prediction on what's going to happen
Imagine- picturing what is happening
Clarify- does it make sense
Try- ask myself questions while reading
Use- relate to my life/things I've read (or watched)
Review- write a summary
Evaluate
Imagine- picturing what is happening
Clarify- does it make sense
Try- ask myself questions while reading
Use- relate to my life/things I've read (or watched)
Review- write a summary
Evaluate
Chapter 1-3
Prediction: Stargirl gave Leo the porcupine necktie
Leo will like Stargirl
Stargirl will want to be on the Hot Seat
Leo will like Stargirl
Stargirl will want to be on the Hot Seat
Clarify: Why did Leo follow Stargirl for so long?
Try:
Use
Review
Try:
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Chapter 4-7
Prediction:
Clarify
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Chapter 8-11
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Clarify
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Chapter 12-14
Prediction:
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Chapter 15-17
Prediction:
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Chapter 18-23
Prediction:
Clarify
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Chapter 24-26
Prediction:
Clarify
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Chapter 27-29
Prediction:
Clarify
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Chapter 30-31
Prediction:
Clarify
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Chapter 32-"More Than Stars"
Prediction:
Clarify
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Theme:
Always be yourself no matter what
This is shown in the book, because Stargirl had decided to change how she looked and acted, so that people would like her and accept her. Except this backfired, and they didn't like her anymore, if anything, just less. Also, when she changed herself, she became unhappy, and was obsessed with what others thought of her.
Always be yourself no matter what
This is shown in the book, because Stargirl had decided to change how she looked and acted, so that people would like her and accept her. Except this backfired, and they didn't like her anymore, if anything, just less. Also, when she changed herself, she became unhappy, and was obsessed with what others thought of her.
Motifs:
- Conformity
- Outcast
- Self-less
Symbols:
- Ukulele: represents how while Stargirl is human, and very similar to her peers, she is different and special, like a ukulele to a guitar
- Senor Saguaro: represents the beauty we can find in organisms that have apart of the world for a long time
- Mica: is a type of rock, and the town being named this represents the conformity at Mica High
Tone: Reverent- the author talks about Stargirl with deep respect, and as if Stargirl is someone who should be treated as such. It is as if Stargirl is held in high regard for being so wise and caring.
Mood:
- Hope: throughout the book I was constantly left hoping, wishing that everything would work out between Stargirl and Leo, her and the school, her and Hillari, or when things would be going well I would have this great sense of accomplishment, for what I had hoped for came true.
- Sad:every time something in the book happened that would make me hopeful, a new occurrence would contradict that event from happening.