Love, Stargirl
#2 of 2 in Stargirl Series
on Goodreads (43,604)
What’s inside...
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. The novel takes the form of 'the world's longest letter,' in diary form, going from date to date through a little more than a year's time. In her writing, Stargirl mixes memories of her bittersweet time in Mica, Arizona, with involvements with new people in her life. In Love, Stargirl, we hear the voice of Stargirl herself as she reflects on time, life, Leo, and - of course - love.
Discussion points
How do you think Stargirl manages to stay true to herself despite being different from others around her?
What can we learn from Stargirl's acts of kindness throughout the book? Can you think of ways to apply similar kindness in our daily lives?
What role do you think letters play in the story? How do they help Stargirl express and explore her feelings?
How does the relationship between Stargirl and her new friends evolve throughout the book? What does this tell us about making and maintaining friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on an aspect of the book, and invite your child to express their own opinions, fostering a two-way conversation.
Highlight Stargirl's unique characteristics and discuss with your child how we can appreciate and celebrate individual differences in people around us.
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of Stargirl's actions and decisions, prompting them to consider different perspectives.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of communication and how expressing our feelings can help resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Stargirl's heartfelt letters and reflections throughout the book demonstrate her deep empathy and understanding towards the people she interacts with.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes, fostering a more compassionate interaction with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: Stargirl's unique personality and non-conformist attitude emphasize the importance of being true to oneself, regardless of societal expectations.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace their individuality and express themselves openly, enhancing their self-esteem and authenticity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite facing challenges and loneliness, Stargirl remains resilient and optimistic, using her experiences to grow personally.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome obstacles and view them as opportunities for personal growth and development.
Example Lesson: The value of forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Stargirl navigates complex emotions and situations, learning to forgive those who may not understand her.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the power of forgiveness, aiding them in managing conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: The strength of community connections
Explanation: Stargirl's interactions with various community members highlight her impact on them and, inversely, their impact on her life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of community involvement and how building positive relationships can enrich one’s life.