Stargirl Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
3.6 out of 5, (36 ratings on Open Library)
Stargirl has 33 chapters · 192 pages
A celebration of nonconformity; a tense, emotional tale about the fleeting, cruel nature of popularity--and the thrill and inspiration of first love. Ages 12+.
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Inside the journal: 33 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
What do we learn about Leo in Chapter 1, and why do you think the porcupine necktie is important to him?See all 33 questions ↓
About the book
A celebration of nonconformity; a tense, emotional tale about the fleeting, cruel nature of popularity--and the thrill and inspiration of first love. Ages 12+.
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Stargirl questions by chapter
We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 33 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.
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Chapter 1
What do we learn about Leo in Chapter 1, and why do you think the porcupine necktie is important to him?
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Chapter 2
How does Stargirl first seem different from the other students at Mica High? Use details from the chapter.
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Chapter 3
What are some ways the students react to Stargirl? What do their reactions show about the school?
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Chapter 4
Stargirl does not seem worried about fitting in. What does this chapter suggest about being yourself?
Example answer: I think this chapter suggests that being yourself can make other people curious or even uncomfortable. Stargirl acts in her own way, even when the other students stare at her. I think she is brave because she does not hide what makes her special. This makes me wonder why the other students care so much about everyone being the same.
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Chapter 5
How does Wayne Parr represent what is considered “normal” at Mica High? Why might that matter in the story?
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Chapter 6
Leo and Kevin want Stargirl to be on Hot Seat. What do you predict might happen if she goes on the show?
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Chapter 7
Describe one kind or unusual thing Stargirl does in this chapter. How does it affect the people around her?
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Chapter 8
How does Stargirl begin to change the mood or spirit of the school? Give an example from the chapter.
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Chapter 9
Why do some students become upset when Stargirl cheers for the other team? What does this tell you about loyalty?
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Chapter 10
Do you think the students are fair to Stargirl in this chapter? Explain your opinion with reasons.
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Chapter 11
How does Stargirl act when people question or criticize her on Hot Seat? What does this show about her character?
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Chapter 12
After the Hot Seat episode, what changes for Stargirl at school? How do you think she feels?
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Chapter 13
What does Leo notice when he follows Stargirl? How does this help him understand her better?
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Chapter 14
How is Leo’s relationship with Stargirl changing? What feelings does he seem to have about her?
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Chapter 15
Archie often gives advice or wisdom. What lesson does he seem to be teaching Leo in this chapter?
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Chapter 16
Leo starts to feel pressure from other students. How does that pressure affect the choices he makes?
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Chapter 17
The word “shunning” means leaving someone out on purpose. How does shunning appear in this chapter, and why is it hurtful?
Example answer: Shunning appears when people stop talking to Stargirl and even make Leo feel left out too. It is hurtful because it makes someone feel invisible, like they do not matter. I think ignoring someone on purpose can hurt as much as saying something mean. Stargirl seems strong, but I think it still must feel lonely.
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Chapter 18
What changes does Stargirl make when she becomes Susan? Why do you think she decides to change herself?
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Chapter 19
Do you predict Susan will become more accepted by the students? Why or why not?
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Chapter 20
How does Susan act at the speech contest, and what does her behavior show about her hopes?
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Chapter 21
What is disappointing about the way students respond to Susan’s success? How would you have responded?
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Chapter 22
What does this chapter show about the difference between popularity and true happiness?
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Chapter 23
Stargirl seems to return to being herself. What signs show that she is no longer trying to be Susan?
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Chapter 24
What do you predict will happen at the Ocotillo Ball? Will it be a happy event, a difficult event, or both?
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Chapter 25
How does Dori show friendship to Stargirl? Why is having one loyal friend important?
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Chapter 26
Describe Stargirl’s entrance or actions at the dance. How does she affect the people there?
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Chapter 27
When Hillari treats Stargirl cruelly, Stargirl responds in a surprising way. What theme or lesson do you see in that moment?
Example answer: I see a lesson about choosing kindness even when someone is unkind to you. Stargirl does not try to get revenge on Hillari. Instead, she reacts in a peaceful and surprising way. I think this shows that Stargirl is true to herself and does not let other people’s cruelty control her.
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Chapter 28
How do you feel about Leo’s choices near the end of the story? What would you have done differently?
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Chapter 29
What happens after Stargirl leaves? How does her absence affect Leo and the school?
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Chapter 30
What does Archie help Leo understand about Stargirl and the way people remember her?
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Chapter 31
Choose one symbol from this chapter or the story, such as the porcupine necktie, the desert, or a star. What might it stand for?
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Chapter 32
How has Stargirl’s time at Mica High changed the people around her, even after she is gone?
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Chapter 33
At the end of the book, what do you think Leo has learned from Stargirl? How might this lesson stay with him?
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How to use this Stargirl reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 33 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for Stargirl. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own chapter. We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.
Browse: All books by Jerry Spinelli