Stargirl/Love, Stargirl Boxed Set

Stargirl #1-2

by Jerry Spinelli

Jerry Spinelli’s novel Stargirl , published in 2000, became an instant bestseller, beloved for its nonconformist heroine with a heart of gold. With over 1.4 million copies in print in North America alone and licenses in 27 languages, it's gone on to become an international hit. The acclaimed companion novel, Love, Stargirl , was published in 2007 and quickly became a New York Times Bestseller. We're pleased to offer hardcover editions of both novels in this eye-popping new boxed set.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Romance, Ebooks, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade

480 pages, Hardcover

First published August 14, 2007

About the author

When Jerry Spinelli was a kid, he wanted to grow up to be either a cowboy or a baseball player. Lucky for us he became a writer instead.

He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.

In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Maggie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

look for the little things around you, the little miracles (like stargirl does - enchanted places, etc)
she had no ego, she always thought of others and did nice things for them
she wasn't afraid of getting up in front of lots of people and singing and dancing with her ukelele!
she is who WE are in the first few moments of waking, before our egos take over and suppress our basic, human selves
it's about the beauty and rarity of nonconformity
it's ok to not be liked by everyone - stargirl wasn't, but she retained her spirit and love for life and uniqueness

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

These series were okay.
I think Stargirl is better than Love, Stargirl; I stopped around 70 pages into Love, Stargirl and put it down because it gave me no interest. The whole plot just felt too random in my opinion. But I don't know, a lot of people I know just fell in love with this story. Maybe these books just weren't for me.

[December · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that I could be stargirl, in fact its what i strive for

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved writing in this!

[cira flannery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this way back in middle school, and it’s certainly hard to remember considering how quick 4 years go by so that may be a disadvantage to this review. one thing I can remember specifically is how incredibly easy it was to see the effort put forth to exemplify how spinelli planned the way the characters just so naturally reveal themselves and control the plot independently. if you need something quick to read or if you’re young this is such a classy theme (don’t underestimate or never judge a book by it’s cover) this book could be bused a prime example of spinneli’s beautiful and not to mention his success in getting this novel made into a film!!

[Ang Ski]

I read these 2 books with my 11 yr old daughter who received them as a gift. I heard it was about a high school girl and questioned how appropriate it would be for her so I picked up a copy and read ahead of her. It was absolutely appropriate and actually perfect for her age group. I loved the first book and the message it had. We weren’t crazy about the 2nd book. But I’m glad we read it anyway. Now we are looking forward to watching the Disney+ Stargirl movie!

[Mr. Rendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found my source! I used to wonder why I had such a strong affinity to beat gen books and novels by Murakami. This book is my reason why. Re reading it as an adult, I can't help but gawk at all the Zen ideas and affinity to nature and the ordinary. It makes me so happy that both Stargirl books are a hit with kids because the themes in here are needed now more than ever. I recommend anyone that wants to read a little zen, "woke" book to pick this one up - no matter your age.

[ryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

blast from the past, i first read this in 7th grade for my english class and i re-read it. definitely a really cute puppy love story, but i wish stargirl had a little more depth to her. despite being the main focus on the story, she felt more like a device to let the main character learn to let loose. very manic-pixie-dream-girl.

[A_book_luvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a cute read. I wish there were people out there like Stargirl. The ending on the first book and the ending on the second don't add up for me. You should definitely read the book and watch the movie on Disney+.

[Izzy Kropp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these books! I read them in fourth grade with a book club that I created. My friends and I each bought the books, and read them separately then shared our thoughts. We all enjoyed it!

[Dawn E Craft · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a stargirl myself reading it from a different perspective and being able to share these with my kids was a conversation starter and way to get closer to them in the present day.

[Nancy Sanow · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is Stargirl like a Moa bird?

[Gabrielle]

I the Stargirl is good book and an interesting character, but getting to see from her perspective made it even better.

[Chelsea Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The End of a Monotonous Life

A hook had grabbed b and slows began to reel me into a world of change when I recently read Stargirl by: Jerry Spinelli. From start to finish Spinelli begged the reader to join him in the everyday monotonous life of the average high school student. What separates Stargirl from all the others? The Author doesn't use crazy love stories or sports victories to woo the reader, but instead examines the simple joins of everyday life. Detailed composites of the life of a teenager is what separates Statgirl from everything else.

The quality of the book is due to the relevance it posses to life. To compare Stargirl to any other book would be impossible. Spinelli uses a boring situation and shows how his characters evolve into outgoing and spontaneous young adults. I believe this work applies to any walk of life, and therefore I would recommend Stagirl to you.

[Chelsea]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these two books! I read Stargirl (the first one) when I was in high school, for a free read hour. I was told to pick a book to read and I had NO idea what to read; but the cover captured my attention, its so simple, yet it makes you want to know what lies within its pages. I was spell bound instantly within the first few chapters! It's such a loving, caring, but sad story. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves sad, love or funny stories. I purchased the box set shortly after reading the first book and now my little sister has it, she too fell in love with this story. It's a story that stays with you forever, definitely worth re-reading :)

[Chanel Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stargirl isn't real, but I wish she were. The first book was good, even though Leo seemed to lack something (maybe that was the point). The second book was beautiful to me. It was sad and real and heartbreaking and I even cried a few times.

I love books that are full of hope, and characters that are full of life and motivation. Even though Love Stargirl was incredibly depressing at times, it did have hope at its core.

Favorite line: "Ain't no before Grace."

[jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just starting to re read Stargirl, one of my all time favorites (along with the Little Prince, which I read montly to keep perspective on life) and can't wait to read the sequel!!!

OK...I didn't fall in love with the sequel like I loved StarGirl. I AM StarGirl...from the perspective of the male character (I've forgotten his name!)...although I did LOVE the ending and equinox! THAT was fantastic!!!

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got away this weekend and loved every minute I was able to read the first book. I can't wait for my daughter to read this. I loved the way this story was written. It is from a teenage boys perspective. They ought to hold a semester class in Junior High and High School on this book. My favorite line from the book..."She is more us than we are us. She is, I think, who we really are. Or were."

[Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books aren't usually my style, and I'm surprised I even ended up reading not only the entire book, but both of them as well; but what can I say? They really are good books. I really enjoyed them, and although I was disappointed (many, many, MANY times), they're worth a read. I actually ended up tearing up (okay, a little more than just tearing up... on the verge of bawling) at certain parts; but then again, I'm a big softie ;)

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm an education major and for my Children's Literature class, we had to read Stargirl. I loved it and never knew there was a sequel. I read it in a night and adored it.

There was a lot of depth and complexity to the sequel that I would be a little leary of in choosing it for a classroom setting in the younger grades. I thought it was more ideal for a 4th and 5th grade level, but that's just me personally.

I thought these were great books!!

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A most enjoyable book. I am reminded of the "star girl" inside me as a fifteen-sixteen year old girl. I remember that first love does not dim as time goes by. (even only a year...that is how much time goes by in the story) I love hos Stargirl deals with change constructively and helps a small cast of characters in the Pennsylvania town Stargirl now lives.

[Gwen Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Stargirl and Love, Stargirl were amazing, and I have to say these books are probaly my favorite at the time. I have recomended these books to many people, some of them have actually read them and say they are both really good. In Love, Stargirl I wish Leo wrote back at the end. I also wonder if Leo even got the letters Stargirl wrote.

[Claire]

This sound really good! A lot of people I know have read it and said that it was really good so i'm going to give it a try when i get the chance. There are so many books out there its hard to read all of the ones you wan to!

[Kiely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both of these books. Well-written, like-able characters. It's a sweet story. I sometimes wish I could be a little bit like Stargirl.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

treat others as you would like to be treated.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this book! It was sooooooooooo good! EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT!!!!!!!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for middle schoolers. Nice message

[Robyn Crystal Larsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot different than I expected. Like the first book more.

[Randi]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! IT IS THE BEST STORY I HAVE READ!!! IT IS A ROMANTIC STORY OF TWO KIDS STARGIRL AND LEO. STARGIRL IS KINDA LIKE THE OUT CAST AT SCHOOL.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It bugged me that you never find out if they ever meet again. I need closure in books.