profoundly wonderful.
Those are the two words that describe Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (he also wrote Milkweed).
It’s beautiful and heartfelt and a little bit magical. When I closed the book it made me want to be a better me.
There are times through out our married life that Mike and I have read a good book together, out loud reading, while we hung out on the couch with blankets over us cozied up to one another and the sound of each other’s voices.
This is the perfect book for reading in one long date night together.
It brings up ideas on non-conformity, blending in, going with the flow, going against the flow, standing up for something or someone, being true to yourself and what you can offer the people around you, kindness, and humanity.
It’s a beautiful story that opens up the way for heartfelt discussions.
Questions you can ask each other as you read (or when the story is over):
What would you have done (in this story) when you were in high school?
Who in the story do you think you are/were most like?
In what ways do you think you are different now than you were in high school? How are you the same?
What is the most important idea to you in this story?
Is there something this story inspires you to do? If so, what are you inspired to do?
If you’re not the read-out-loud-kind-of-person you could each get the book and read silently, cuddled on the couch together, and then discuss after you’ve finished reading.
Stargirl plays a game in the book that is a fun way to learn compassion about people.
You could try it together on your next date:
Spot someone in the mall or at the park. Watch them for 10-15 minutes. Stop on a bench together and talk about what you think their story is after watching them. Once you have created their story imagine what kind of card (birthday, keep your chin up, congratulations, it will be okay) you would send them in the mail if you actually knew them.
There are all kinds of discussions to have with a book like this. If you get the scholastic version then there are questions at the back that you can talk about, too. Either way, I highly recommend reading this book. (side note: a great family book to read and discuss if your children are about to enter junior high)
Have fun with this book and see where it takes you….
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2 Comments
davina, my husband and i did your stargirl date night last saturday–it was totally wonderful. we grabbed some wine and cheese…and took turns reading out loud and over each other’s shoulder. the book inspired some of the greatest conversation afterward:) we are both super busy, he works full time and goes to school full time and i run my own business and am a full time momma to 2, so a great adult conversation between the two of us is pretty scarce. my husband was totally dragging his feet at first but afterward we both agreed it was a really wonderful night. 5 days later we are still feeling super connected because of our stargirl date. you are the best:) thanks so much for the tip!
Oh my goodness, Lex!! That is so stinking awesome to hear! I love that you had such a wonderful experience that led to a rich conversation. It’s made my day to hear that you’re both feeling so connected and in love after your stargirl date. I’m thrilled that it has had such a lasting affect. Wow!!! And yay!!!