1. Exposition - This novel begins with a teenager named Leo Borlock who receives a porcupine necktie from his uncle for his birthday. This took place in Mica, Arizona
2. Rising Action - Leo tends to have fun with many of his friends at school when he encounters a new girl at school named Stargirl. She is different then everybody else and overtime he begins to grow attracted to her without realizing it.
3. Climax - The climax of the book is when Stargirl wins the Oratorical Contest and returns home to her parents and Dori Dilson. After being psyched and expecting a large mob she is speechless and drops the plate showing that she can't fit in and no longer cares even though she worked so hard to do so.
4. Falling Action - Stargirl is upset over the matter and everybody continues to avoid both Stargirl and Leo. Leo is upset by this and does not ask Stargirl to the Ocotillo Ball. Stargirl turns back into Susan and heads to the Ocotillo Ball alone.
5. Conclusion - Stargirl leaves Mica after being shunned and ridiculed by the whole student body. Leo is at a loss for words and does not know what to think. He speaks with Archie over it and they bury Barney. Leo heads home from college and on his birthday receives a porcupine necktie from Stargirl.
Characterization
Uncle Pete- Flat: The book does not give much information other then that he gives Leo a porcupine scarf.
Leo Borlock- Round, Dynamic:
Kevin- Round, Dynamic:
Stargirl Caraway- Round, Symbolic, Dynamic: The main character of the book she is a blonde haired girl with freckles that truly stands out from everybody else. She displays a form of individuality and is also symbolic for it as well. She begins to like Leo and changes into Susan but later leaves town after being shunned by everyone there for being different.
Hillari Kimble- Stock, Dynamic: She is the drama queen of Mica High and has everything go her way. She is not fond of Stargirl and ridicules her throughout the book and is given the characteristics of a true snob.
Wayne Parr- Flat: Hillari Kimbles boyfriend that is cool for doing absolutely nothing.
Mallory Stillwell- Flat: The captain of the cheerleader squad. Not much information is given on her except that she asks Stargirl to join the squad.
Archibald Hapwood Brubaker- Stock, Dynamic:
Cinnamon- Flat: Stargirls pet rat that is very attentive and loves to play. Cinnamon is also well trained and carried with Stargirl everywhere she goes.
Brent Ardsley- Flat: A basketball player for Mica High the book does not give much information about him.
Mr. Robineau- Flat: A teacher at Mica High. He helps Leo run hot seat but ends the interview with Stargirl early and destroys the tape of the incident.
Renshaw- Symbolic, Flat: The book doesn't give much information about Renshaw but he is symbolic of loneliness since when Leo calls out to him he walks on as if nothing happened.
Mr. Mcshane- Flat: Mr. Mcshane is the bus driver that takes Leo and Stargirl to the Oratorical contest for the school. He is a kind man that talks with the kids and is aware of their feelings.
Leo Borlock- Round, Dynamic:
Kevin- Round, Dynamic:
Stargirl Caraway- Round, Symbolic, Dynamic: The main character of the book she is a blonde haired girl with freckles that truly stands out from everybody else. She displays a form of individuality and is also symbolic for it as well. She begins to like Leo and changes into Susan but later leaves town after being shunned by everyone there for being different.
Hillari Kimble- Stock, Dynamic: She is the drama queen of Mica High and has everything go her way. She is not fond of Stargirl and ridicules her throughout the book and is given the characteristics of a true snob.
Wayne Parr- Flat: Hillari Kimbles boyfriend that is cool for doing absolutely nothing.
Mallory Stillwell- Flat: The captain of the cheerleader squad. Not much information is given on her except that she asks Stargirl to join the squad.
Archibald Hapwood Brubaker- Stock, Dynamic:
Cinnamon- Flat: Stargirls pet rat that is very attentive and loves to play. Cinnamon is also well trained and carried with Stargirl everywhere she goes.
Brent Ardsley- Flat: A basketball player for Mica High the book does not give much information about him.
Mr. Robineau- Flat: A teacher at Mica High. He helps Leo run hot seat but ends the interview with Stargirl early and destroys the tape of the incident.
Renshaw- Symbolic, Flat: The book doesn't give much information about Renshaw but he is symbolic of loneliness since when Leo calls out to him he walks on as if nothing happened.
Mr. Mcshane- Flat: Mr. Mcshane is the bus driver that takes Leo and Stargirl to the Oratorical contest for the school. He is a kind man that talks with the kids and is aware of their feelings.
Chapter 1-3
Predictions: They put her on hot seat. She gets made fun of and rejected by the kids in the school. The boys hang out with her and defend her.
Images: Girl dressed in rather weird and outgoing clothing. Regular people with an individual sticking out.
Clarifications: Her name is Stargirl Caraway. Leo and Kevin created a school news called hot seat where they interview students.
Questions: Is she planted in the school? Why does she act in that particular way?
Connections: When I went to Lawrence I recall being an outcast and getting stared at so I can relate to how she could feel.
Summary: A new girl arrives at school named Stargirl Caraway. She acts different then everyone else and people begin to spread rumors about her.
Predictions: They put her on hot seat. She gets made fun of and rejected by the kids in the school. The boys hang out with her and defend her.
Images: Girl dressed in rather weird and outgoing clothing. Regular people with an individual sticking out.
Clarifications: Her name is Stargirl Caraway. Leo and Kevin created a school news called hot seat where they interview students.
Questions: Is she planted in the school? Why does she act in that particular way?
Connections: When I went to Lawrence I recall being an outcast and getting stared at so I can relate to how she could feel.
Summary: A new girl arrives at school named Stargirl Caraway. She acts different then everyone else and people begin to spread rumors about her.
Chapter 4-7
Predictions: Hillari gets mad. Stagirl gets escorted out by the police.
Images: All I could picture was bones and a large cactus.
Clarifications: Archie is a paleontologist. Stargirl indirectly sang to Hillari and she thinks that Leo is cute. Archie loves to talk in riddles.
Questions: Why was everyone cheering? Who's Archie?
Connections: I grew up in a town that was big on football and I made sure to go to all the games so I can understand that.
Summary: Hillari begins to show more and tells Stargirl not to sing to her. Stargirl instead sings to Leo and at the football game she gets the crowd ecstatic and is then asked to be a cheerleader.
Predictions: Hillari gets mad. Stagirl gets escorted out by the police.
Images: All I could picture was bones and a large cactus.
Clarifications: Archie is a paleontologist. Stargirl indirectly sang to Hillari and she thinks that Leo is cute. Archie loves to talk in riddles.
Questions: Why was everyone cheering? Who's Archie?
Connections: I grew up in a town that was big on football and I made sure to go to all the games so I can understand that.
Summary: Hillari begins to show more and tells Stargirl not to sing to her. Stargirl instead sings to Leo and at the football game she gets the crowd ecstatic and is then asked to be a cheerleader.
Chapter 8-11
Predictions: Hillari drops Cinnamon. Stargirl gets banned from the football games. The cheerleaders kick her off the team.
Images: I picture a school with stairs that's filled with a bunch of different people.
Clarifications: The games continue to grow. Students start to show individuality.
Questions: Why is everybody changing? Will she get banned from the games? Why did she leave?
Connections: I can understand what its like to express yourself since I do that everyday.
Summary: Everybody begins to show up to the games. They prepare to put Stargirl on hot seat and she has another halftime show on the football field. Everybody also has started showing individuality at the games.
Predictions: Hillari drops Cinnamon. Stargirl gets banned from the football games. The cheerleaders kick her off the team.
Images: I picture a school with stairs that's filled with a bunch of different people.
Clarifications: The games continue to grow. Students start to show individuality.
Questions: Why is everybody changing? Will she get banned from the games? Why did she leave?
Connections: I can understand what its like to express yourself since I do that everyday.
Summary: Everybody begins to show up to the games. They prepare to put Stargirl on hot seat and she has another halftime show on the football field. Everybody also has started showing individuality at the games.
Chapter 12-14
Predictions: They put her on hot seat. The rat gets hurt. The jury is mean and they end it early.
Images: I picture a chair on fire and people running from a rat in a room.
Clarifications: They put Stargirl on hot seat. The jury is mean to her and they end it early.
Questions: Why did they hit her for trying to cheer them up? Why was the jury so cruel?
Connections: I can relate to being upset after losing a game and blaming the officials over it.
Summary: They decide to put Stargirl on hot seat and she pretends the chair is on fire. The jury was cruel but in the end they stopped the show. The team barely skimmed by on winning and they have new games in store for them.
Predictions: They put her on hot seat. The rat gets hurt. The jury is mean and they end it early.
Images: I picture a chair on fire and people running from a rat in a room.
Clarifications: They put Stargirl on hot seat. The jury is mean to her and they end it early.
Questions: Why did they hit her for trying to cheer them up? Why was the jury so cruel?
Connections: I can relate to being upset after losing a game and blaming the officials over it.
Summary: They decide to put Stargirl on hot seat and she pretends the chair is on fire. The jury was cruel but in the end they stopped the show. The team barely skimmed by on winning and they have new games in store for them.
Chapter 15-17
Predictions: They end up going out. He becomes nothing.
Images: Lunchroom
Clarifications: Leo got a card from Stargirl. They go to an enchanted place in the desert.
Questions: Who else got a card? Why is he avoiding her?
Connections: I have once done the same thing and just relaxed so I know how it feels.
Summary: Leo ended up with a card from Stargirl on Valentines day. He tried avoiding her but they ended up leaving together to the desert where they enjoyed an enchanted place.
Predictions: They end up going out. He becomes nothing.
Images: Lunchroom
Clarifications: Leo got a card from Stargirl. They go to an enchanted place in the desert.
Questions: Who else got a card? Why is he avoiding her?
Connections: I have once done the same thing and just relaxed so I know how it feels.
Summary: Leo ended up with a card from Stargirl on Valentines day. He tried avoiding her but they ended up leaving together to the desert where they enjoyed an enchanted place.
Chapter 18-23
Predictions: Hillari makes fun of them.
Images: Kids being avoided in the halls.
Clarifications: Kids are avoiding Leo and Stargirl in the halls. Leo goes to talk with Archie over the matter.
Questions: What does Leo do? Why are kids avoiding them?
Connections: I know what its like to be avoided in the halls. I can relate to making a tough decision.
Summary: Everybody blames Stargirl for the undefeated season coming to an end. Because of this they avoid her and don't talk to her.
Predictions: Hillari makes fun of them.
Images: Kids being avoided in the halls.
Clarifications: Kids are avoiding Leo and Stargirl in the halls. Leo goes to talk with Archie over the matter.
Questions: What does Leo do? Why are kids avoiding them?
Connections: I know what its like to be avoided in the halls. I can relate to making a tough decision.
Summary: Everybody blames Stargirl for the undefeated season coming to an end. Because of this they avoid her and don't talk to her.
Chapter 24-26
Predictions: Leo begins to feel hurt and upset over being ignored. Stargirl is hurt from Leo ignoring and being cruel to her. Leo breaks it off with Stargirl.
Images: Outcast person in the hallway. Bedsheet with "I Love You" on it.
Clarifications: Leo and Stargirl stay together. Stargirl isn't mad at Leo but she ends up missing.
Questions: Why doesn't he make up his mind? What will he do now?
Connections: I can understand what it likes to be embarrassed by something and also to be frustrated.
Summary: Everybody continues to avoid them except now they're also avoiding Leo. Leo begins to get more and more frustrated about this. After being avoided by Renshaw he talks to Stargirl about how she needs to change in order to fit in with groups.
Predictions: Leo begins to feel hurt and upset over being ignored. Stargirl is hurt from Leo ignoring and being cruel to her. Leo breaks it off with Stargirl.
Images: Outcast person in the hallway. Bedsheet with "I Love You" on it.
Clarifications: Leo and Stargirl stay together. Stargirl isn't mad at Leo but she ends up missing.
Questions: Why doesn't he make up his mind? What will he do now?
Connections: I can understand what it likes to be embarrassed by something and also to be frustrated.
Summary: Everybody continues to avoid them except now they're also avoiding Leo. Leo begins to get more and more frustrated about this. After being avoided by Renshaw he talks to Stargirl about how she needs to change in order to fit in with groups.
Chapter 27-29
Predictions: I think Susan will win. They don't get to Phoenix and the bus breaks down.
Images: An empty bus filled with two kids. A mob made of a bunch of people.
Clarifications: Stargirl wins the contest.
Questions: Why does Leo doubt Stargirl? Why did no one show up? How does Stargril feel about it?
Connections: I have actually participated in an oratorical contest and I know what it feels like.
Summary: Stargirl makes it to the finals and enjoys a day to herself with Leo and Mr. Mcshane. They drive to the contest and Stargirl ends up winning. When they head home the expected mob isn't there and the only ones that showed were Dori and a few teachers.
Predictions: I think Susan will win. They don't get to Phoenix and the bus breaks down.
Images: An empty bus filled with two kids. A mob made of a bunch of people.
Clarifications: Stargirl wins the contest.
Questions: Why does Leo doubt Stargirl? Why did no one show up? How does Stargril feel about it?
Connections: I have actually participated in an oratorical contest and I know what it feels like.
Summary: Stargirl makes it to the finals and enjoys a day to herself with Leo and Mr. Mcshane. They drive to the contest and Stargirl ends up winning. When they head home the expected mob isn't there and the only ones that showed were Dori and a few teachers.
Chapter 30-31
Predictions: He doesn't ask her to the Ocotillo Ball. He ends up joining the Ukee Dooks.
Images: I image a dieing flower and a flower bike.
Clarifications: Only Dori showed up for the mob along with a few other teachers.
Questions: Why didn't he ask her to the ball? Does Leo still like Stargirl? Why didn't he join the Ukee Dooks?
Connections: I know what its like to not join a group and to avoid somebody.
Summary: Nobody was there to mob Susan and she was distraught from this. Susan turned back into Stargirl and a group called the Ukee Dooks was formed at school. Leo did not ask Stargirl to the Ocotillo Ball and she instead ends up going alone.
Predictions: He doesn't ask her to the Ocotillo Ball. He ends up joining the Ukee Dooks.
Images: I image a dieing flower and a flower bike.
Clarifications: Only Dori showed up for the mob along with a few other teachers.
Questions: Why didn't he ask her to the ball? Does Leo still like Stargirl? Why didn't he join the Ukee Dooks?
Connections: I know what its like to not join a group and to avoid somebody.
Summary: Nobody was there to mob Susan and she was distraught from this. Susan turned back into Stargirl and a group called the Ukee Dooks was formed at school. Leo did not ask Stargirl to the Ocotillo Ball and she instead ends up going alone.
Chapter 32-More Than Stars
Predictions: Leo goes and looks for her. Archie is upset over the matter.
Images: An empty house for sale and a porcupine necktie.
Clarifications: Stargirl is gone and Leo is upset.
Questions: Why did she leave? Will Leo go look for her? Where is she watching from?
Connections: I've had to move so I can relate to how it feels to leave people behind.
Summary: Stargirl left to somewhere off in the Midwest and Leo is heart broken. He never realized how much he liked her until she was gone. Archie buried Barney and from then on everything changed. When Leo came back from college he checked in on everybody and received a porcupine necktie from somewhere.
Predictions: Leo goes and looks for her. Archie is upset over the matter.
Images: An empty house for sale and a porcupine necktie.
Clarifications: Stargirl is gone and Leo is upset.
Questions: Why did she leave? Will Leo go look for her? Where is she watching from?
Connections: I've had to move so I can relate to how it feels to leave people behind.
Summary: Stargirl left to somewhere off in the Midwest and Leo is heart broken. He never realized how much he liked her until she was gone. Archie buried Barney and from then on everything changed. When Leo came back from college he checked in on everybody and received a porcupine necktie from somewhere.
Theme
Friendship- Throughout the book friendship can be seen in many different aspects. All in all though friends tend to stick together and be there for one another when they are down. Such as Leo and Kevin they are always there for one another even while Leo is being shunned. Also another example is Stargirl and Dori. They stand up for one another and are always happy to be around each other.
Individuality- This is a theme since it is important to be and act the way that you want. Not how others want you to be. This can be seen through Stargirl since she is always what she feels like and it can be seen through her actions. She always does what she wants and names herself what she feels like being named. So in the end it is important to display individuality and express yourself.
Love- Love is all around and can be seen in many ways. In the book Leo and Stargirl form a strong bond where they care for one another and Stargirl in general is full of love. At the end she returns to being Stargirl through self-love. This is because she shouldn't change for others and must learn to love herself first no matter what.
Individuality- This is a theme since it is important to be and act the way that you want. Not how others want you to be. This can be seen through Stargirl since she is always what she feels like and it can be seen through her actions. She always does what she wants and names herself what she feels like being named. So in the end it is important to display individuality and express yourself.
Love- Love is all around and can be seen in many ways. In the book Leo and Stargirl form a strong bond where they care for one another and Stargirl in general is full of love. At the end she returns to being Stargirl through self-love. This is because she shouldn't change for others and must learn to love herself first no matter what.
Motiff
Porcupine Necktie- The porcupine necktie is significant to the book. Leo first receives one from his uncle and begins to collect them. Then realizing it wasn't his uncle her learned later on that it was Stargirl after meeting her. Then later on the necktie shows up again after not seeing Leo in forever Stargirl sends him another porcupine necktie to let him know that she is still watching over him.
Ukulele- Stargirl always is carrying her ukulele. She plays the ukulele at the beginning singing happy birthday to kids at lunch. When everyone shuns Stargirl she is able to stay her happy self by expressing her feelings through music. The ukulele is the reason she was able to remain happy and carefree throughout the book.
Ukulele- Stargirl always is carrying her ukulele. She plays the ukulele at the beginning singing happy birthday to kids at lunch. When everyone shuns Stargirl she is able to stay her happy self by expressing her feelings through music. The ukulele is the reason she was able to remain happy and carefree throughout the book.
Symbol
Porcupine Necktie- This symbolizes the bond between Stargirl and Leo but also how things went back to the way that they once were. Mica is a type of mineral that is very durable and tends to maintain its shape and stability so I believe that the thought of this book was based around that since Stargirl came in and tried to change Mica High with her attitude and personality but it stayed the way it was. That is why the porcupine necktie is also a remembrance that things are back to the way they once were.
Hot Seat Chair- I believe this symbolizes Stargirls carefree and perky personality. Whether she is at school or at home she is always attentive and seeing things in her own way and that is why she acted the way she did after seeing the flames on the chair. That is why I think that the chair is a symbol for this book.
Names- Many may be curious why I think that this is a symbol but I believe this because everything in the book is portrayed through this. Stargirl changes her name based on how she feels and Archie not only names a cactus but bones as well. This is done since it can tell a lot about a person just through a little bit and that is why I think that this is a symbol for the book.
Hot Seat Chair- I believe this symbolizes Stargirls carefree and perky personality. Whether she is at school or at home she is always attentive and seeing things in her own way and that is why she acted the way she did after seeing the flames on the chair. That is why I think that the chair is a symbol for this book.
Names- Many may be curious why I think that this is a symbol but I believe this because everything in the book is portrayed through this. Stargirl changes her name based on how she feels and Archie not only names a cactus but bones as well. This is done since it can tell a lot about a person just through a little bit and that is why I think that this is a symbol for the book.
Tone
I believe that the tone of the book may seem playful but it is also a more of an insight on life. It shows that people aren't always as they appear and to live life to the fullest like Stargirl without worries creates happiness all around. At the same time along with the happiness it shows obstacles in life that need to be overcome and that is why I think while the tone of the book may seem playful its deeper meaning is more serious.
Mood
Sad- While reading this book I felt the author tried to intend a form of sadness while writing the book. The mood becomes sad since the couple is shunned by rest of Mica and no one showed up to congratulate Stargirl since she won. Then Stargirl disappears and never talks to Leo again other then for a gift letting him know shes still watching. That is why the book was sad because of all the ridicule and emotional violence between the students that was intentional.
Happy- I also believe that the author tried to make things happy at times too. Showing how life has its ups and downs along with how people deal with it. Stargirl was intended to represent the authors wife who is magnificent and caring towards others. This itself displays Stargirls personality and makes things generally happy through the spin on life that is portrayed.
Happy- I also believe that the author tried to make things happy at times too. Showing how life has its ups and downs along with how people deal with it. Stargirl was intended to represent the authors wife who is magnificent and caring towards others. This itself displays Stargirls personality and makes things generally happy through the spin on life that is portrayed.