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Book Review of Love, Stargirl

Love, Stargirl
GeniusJen avatar reviewed on + 5322 more book reviews


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.