Love, Stargirl

When the novel begins, Dootsie is only five years old. Do you think it strange that Stargirl would have a five-year-old for a best friend? Characterize Stargirl’s and Dootsie’s relationship. What does Stargirl bring to their friendship? What does Dootsie contribute? Do you think they are more like sisters than best friends? Explain your answer.

Stargirl loves the natural world, and nature is an important motif in the novel. What are some ways that Stargirl and Archie think people ruin nature? What are ways the characters celebrate nature? How does the natural world impact the lives of different characters? Consider Stargirl, Betty Lou, and Dootsie.

Love, Stargirl takes place over the course of one year. How does Stargirl change during this time? What does she learn about herself? How do characters like Dootsie, Betty Lou, Alvina, and Charlie influence Stargirl’s changes?

Susan tells Stargirl, “You want to talk loss? Look at all the loss around you” (32). Explain Susan’s comment. Which characters experience loss in the novel? Are their losses like Stargirl’s or different? How does each character cope with their loss?

Characterize Perry’s attitude towards life. Why does he feel this way? How does Perry’s life-perspective differ from that of Stargirl? Why do you think Stargirl is attracted to Perry, despite their different philosophies?

Leo’s rejection hurts Stargirl, but Stargirl believes in her heart that Leo is her true love. Do you agree? Why or why not? Do you think she and Leo should get back together? How do Archie and Stargirl think Leo must change before he meets Stargirl again? How does Stargirl need to change?

Stargirl thinks that Alvina is “caught between dolls and boys” (155). What does Stargirl mean by this comment? What evidence from the text shows that Stargirl is right? How does Stargirl help Alvina move forward in life?

Stargirl has a giving, altruistic nature; she “sheds light.” What does Stargirl give to characters like Charlie, Betty Lou, Alvina, and the community? What are the effects of her gifts on each character?