Love, Stargirl

Spinelli expands on themes of connection and isolation, identity, and emotional recovery in this section as Stargirl performs kindnesses for the community and they return her goodwill. Stargirl’s vulnerability is evident in her feelings towards Perry and Leo, while Betty Lou articulates one of the novel’s most important life lessons. Spinelli again emphasizes the importance of humanity’s connection to nature.

Stargirl continues to support Betty Lou, compassionately giving Betty Lou her time and comfort when a red slipper sock appears in the window. Relatedly, as a substitute big sister, Stargirl tries to help Alvina transition to adolescence and away from her anger and self-loathing. By teaching Alvina the tradition of counting coup, Stargirl shows Alvina how to develop her emotional maturity and respond to teasing in a less violent manner.

Both Alvina and Betty Lou are self-reflective about the unique forms of social isolation that hold them back. This awareness signals they are moving towards a greater connection with the community. Alvina knows that she is a “rotten” kid but plans to change. Stargirl recognizes that Alvina’s comment means Alvina is proactively, thoughtfully considering the kind of person she wants to become. Betty Lou, ironically, given her agoraphobia, has the key to happiness: living in the present. Her advice to Stargirl is not to waste today worrying about tomorrow. Betty Lou’s disease makes her feel helpless and sad, and though she, like Stargirl, has trouble following her own advice, Betty Lou still helps Stargirl regain her confidence. Out of concern for Stargirl, Betty Lou even takes an inadvertent step outside her door. Both Alvina and Betty Lou show that Stargirl’s influence is drawing them out of isolation.

Stargirl, however, still wrestles with her sense of loss and longing. She is lonely and craving affection and validation, telling Betty Lou that she wants “Something. Instead of nothing” (194). Betty Lou knows that Stargirl is not emotionally healed from her relationship with Leo, and Stargirl shows the wound in her conflicted feelings for Perry. She feels chemistry with him, and longs for his attention, but fears rejection. Stargirl imagines she can “fix” Perry’s negative attitude towards life, while Perry understands that Stargirl’s attempts to change him are a thin mask for her attraction.

Stargirl avoids examining her feelings too closely. She does not like the idea that Leo “dumped” her: the word casts a negative light on Leo—and on her self-esteem. Stargirl also recognizes that if she kisses Perry, which she paradoxically both wants and fears, it will solidify her feelings about her relationship with Leo, one way or another: the central issue she is avoiding. Stargirl fears letting Leo go.

Stargirl is wary of being hurt again, and when Perry does not come to Calendar Hill, it is a blow to her already weakened self-esteem. She nurtures her anger towards him which becomes a “scab” over her wounded feelings. Betty Lou advises Stargirl never throw herself at a man, a sign of desperation that compromises self-respect. Stargirl agrees, showing that she still has pride in herself, and her identity is on the way to recovery.

As her countdown to the Solstice approaches, the neighbors who unite in lighting Stargirl’s path to Calendar Hill reveal that Stargirl’s unique personality is welcomed and respected in the community. Stargirl’s focus on the solar calendar and the upcoming Winter Solstice again reveal her connection to nature. She expresses her “kinship” with the sun and appreciates the freedom from the man-made construct of time.