Love, Stargirl

by Jerry Spinelli
Hennepin County Library audioCDs, 6:20
read by Mandy Siegfried

This book bugged me . . . and I'm not sure why. Dootsie was a little brat, Stargirl was irritating, Perry was such a delinquent (though we finally find out what's up with him toward the end of the book). Spinelli definitely creates memorable characters, though. I found myself wanting to meet Arnold, Betty Lou, Alvina, and Charlie. The storyline of Stargirl writing a book-long letter to Leo back in Arizona just didn't work for me, though. I am not sure what kind of reader would most enjoy this book . . . and I kind of want to re-read Stargirl. I loved that book! Siegfried's voice work was nice, so I'm really not sure why this story bugged me so much.

Sigh. No idea when I wrote this . . . I probably read it at LEAST three years ago. I'm not very good at keeping track of things. That was the purpose of this blog. To keep track of the books I'm reading. That's why I don't want to use GoodReads. I want everything in one place so I can find it!

Smiles to Go

by Jerry Spinelli
Hennepin County Library audiobook 4 discs
read by Conor Donovan
genre: YA realistic fiction, relationships, family

Although there were some things that were very likable about this book, the irritating behavior of five-year-old Tabby made me not able to appreciate them. She is absolutely horrid in her behavior and her parents are benign figures who just take everything in stride. Protagonist Will Tuppence is definitely a bit too rigid in how he deals with everything in his life (including his little sister), but this story fell flat for me. Will and his best friends Mi-Su and BT are navigating the waters of teenage life, but the friendship dynamic is an odd one with these personalities.

My favorite part: Will getting advice from five-year-old neighbor Korbet.

Love, Stargirl

by Jerry Spinelli
Hennepin County Library audioCDs, 6:20
read by Mandy Siegfried

This book bugged me . . . and I'm not sure why. Dootsie was a little brat, Stargirl was irritating, Perry was such a delinquent (though we finally find out what's up with him toward the end of the book). Spinelli definitely creates memorable characters, though. I found myself wanting to meet Arnold, Betty Lou, Alvina, and Charlie. The storyline of Stargirl writing a book-long letter to Leo back in Arizona just didn't work for me, though. I am not sure what kind of reader would most enjoy this book . . . and I kind of want to re-read Stargirl. I loved that book! Siegfried's voice work was nice, so I'm really not sure why this story bugged me so much.

Eggs

by Jerry Spinelli
PRMS paperback 220 pages
genre: YA, coming of age

This was a re-read for sixth grade book club at school. David and Primrose are unlikely friends, but they definitely connect in a meaningful way. My sixth graders really liked this - one said the nightcrawler scene was her favorite. David's mom has died; Primrose's mom is self-absorbed and emotionally stunted. The two of them work through some of their issues together with a mix of humor and sadness.