Jerry Spinelli and the Art of Creating a Heroine

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In Stargirl, prototypical teen Leo struggles to cope with his feelings for a girl that breaks every mold and giggles and dances in the face social expectation. In one year, Stargirl turns the social system on its head and challenges the code of conduct that Leo and his classmates have come to accept. She inspires the worst and best of their features, and she learns that remaining true to yourself is a constant battle.

Spinelli creates a heroine that is perfect in her fallibility, susceptible to the downfalls of the system despite her strength and independence, but uniquely aware enough to find her way back to herself. Spinelli alludes to wife Eileen as an inspirational figure behind Stargirl, and his characterization of of the heroine highlights his genuine respect for his wife and women in general. Even in this modern era, he is ahead of his time in focusing not on how a girl changes for a boy- but how a girl changes the boy and everyone else she touches.

I am excited to read the sequel, Love, Stargirl as it will move from Leo's perception of her into her own voice. I am hopeful that (despite the title) the book will be more about Stargirl herself than her romantic inclinations. While this book may be a bit above my students' level, I am eager to share it with my nieces and colleagues that work with middle grade and young adult readers.