1.)Spinelli develops characters effectively in many ways. One method of developing characters is through extensive use of details about each person. For instance, Dootsie adores ketchup and Alvina wears a necklace with Winnie the Pooh dangling from it. What details help to reveal more about these characters: Perry, Betty Lou, Stargirl’s mother and father, Stargirl herself?

2.) Stargirl writes to Leo early in the novel that nothing is empty. Even when she is sitting alone on the hill, she feels as if she is at the center of the universe. What does this observation reveal about Stargirl and her sense of herself?

3.) At first, Stargirl is reluctant to tell Leo much about her new home. Why is she a bit secretive? Why does she eventually relent and tell Leo more and more about her new location?

4.) Trace the references to emptiness and loneliness in the novel. For example, Stargirl observes a lone goose in flight and wonders where the rest of the flock is.

5.) Dootsie, Alvina, Perry, and Betty Lou share some similarities though each is a distinct character. Discuss the commonalities shared by these four characters from the novel.

6.) On her field trip to the clock on the Morning Lenape Building, Stargirl reflects about clocks and time. What does this poem suggest about how differently each person measures time? (p. 126) Based on the content of the poem, what would be the time for each of the following characters: Leo, Stargirl, Dootsie, Alvina, Betty Lou?

7.) When Archie comes for the solstice celebration, he tells Stargirl that the students in Mica did the bunny hop again at the Ocotillo Ball. What is the significance of this event?