The main aim of children’s literature is to be readable for young people, to be amusing, exciting, to have a good story and to make readers enjoy it. Some books do not only fulfill this aim but also have a message. Young children should learn something important by reading those books. Those books are relevant for children’s literature because the children enjoy learning when the story is good and interesting. But what makes a book a relevant book? Is it only the message, only the story, the characters or all of those? This essay will show if Jerry Spinelli’s books Stargirl, Loser and Wringer do have a relevance in children’s literature and why by characterizing the protagonists and by finding out what Spinelli’s messages are. Those three books have been chosen because the protagonists are outsiders and therefore the books are of
comparable topics.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Jerry Spinelli
3. Jerry Spinelli - Stargirl
3.1 Summary
3.2 Characterization of Stargirl
3.3 Stargirl Caraway – Reasons for being an Outsider
3.4 References – Other Voices
3.4.1 Newspaper Reviews
3.4.2 Children’s Reviews
3.5 Relevance in Children’s Literature
4. Jerry Spinelli - Loser
4.1 Summary
4.2 Characterization of Donald
4.3 Donald Zinkoff - Reasons for being an Outsider
4.4 References – Other Voices
4.4.1 Newspaper Reviews
4.4.2 Children’s Reviews
4.5 Relevance in Children’s Literature
5. Jerry Spinelli - Wringer
5.1 Summary
5.2 Characterization of Palmer
5.3 Palmer LaRue – Reasons for being an Outsider
5.4 References – Other Voices
5.5 Relevance in Children’s Literature
6. Summary
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary aim of this work is to examine the relevance of Jerry Spinelli's novels Stargirl, Loser, and Wringer within the context of children's literature by analyzing the protagonists' development and the author's underlying messages regarding social outsiders.
- The portrayal and characterization of social outsiders in contemporary children's literature.
- The psychological and social impact of peer pressure and bullying in school environments.
- The significance of individual identity versus social conformity.
- The reception of Spinelli's work by both professional critics and young readers.
- The moral lessons concerning empathy and tolerance found within the selected narratives.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Characterization of Stargirl
Stargirls real name is Susan Julia Caraway and she lives in an ordinary house with her parents who are ordinary people. Up to 10th grade she was home-schooled but then she becomes a student at MAHS. The first thing that is different about her is her name she has given herself: Stargirl. When the other students ask her why she changed it she says that she did not feel like a Susan and that she changes her name from time to time: she previously named herself Pocket Mouse, Mudpie and Hullygully. She seems to be unaware that this is not normal to the other students and that they think of her as being strange. Even when they talk about her behind her back she does not seem to realize it and goes on greeting others and singing songs for them. Stargirl is a person who cares much about others and who is very tender-hearted. By reading articles others ignore or listening when people talk she finds out about people’s birthdays, people being ill or lonely and sends them homemade cards or gifts. She knows much about everybody and even has files about them.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the goal of the study, which is to evaluate how Jerry Spinelli's books address themes of social exclusion and the importance of individuality in youth literature.
2. Jerry Spinelli: A brief biographical overview of the author, highlighting his academic background and major literary awards.
3. Jerry Spinelli - Stargirl: This section analyzes the character of Stargirl Caraway, her struggle with conformity at Mica Area High School, and the critical reception of her story.
4. Jerry Spinelli - Loser: This chapter explores the experiences of Donald Zinkoff, examining his characteristics as an outsider and how his optimistic nature contrasts with his peers' perception of him.
5. Jerry Spinelli - Wringer: This chapter discusses Palmer LaRue's conflict regarding the town's pigeon-killing tradition, focusing on his internal struggle with peer pressure and moral courage.
6. Summary: A synthesis of common threads found in the three novels, specifically the development of the protagonists and their shared experiences as outsiders.
7. Conclusion: The final chapter confirms the relevance of Spinelli's work, asserting that the stories effectively teach children about the value of being true to oneself and the importance of empathy.
Keywords
Jerry Spinelli, Children's Literature, Outsiders, Stargirl, Loser, Wringer, Peer Pressure, Bullying, Individuality, Conformity, Adolescence, Moral Courage, Social Exclusion, Empathy, Youth Fiction
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines three specific novels by Jerry Spinelli to determine their relevance in children's literature, focusing specifically on how the protagonists are depicted as social outsiders.
Which specific themes are explored throughout the work?
The central themes include the struggle for individual identity in the face of conformity, the impact of bullying and peer pressure, and the importance of personal integrity.
What is the main goal of this academic essay?
The goal is to determine if Stargirl, Loser, and Wringer possess lasting relevance for young readers by identifying the author's moral messages and analyzing the development of the central characters.
Which methodology is utilized in this paper?
The paper employs a literary analysis of the three protagonists' character traits, supplemented by an investigation of external perspectives, including contemporary newspaper critiques and reviews written by actual children.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body focuses on detailed summaries and character studies of Stargirl, Donald Zinkoff, and Palmer LaRue, followed by sections on the critical reception and pedagogical relevance of each respective book.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Jerry Spinelli, children's literature, social outsiders, conformity, peer pressure, and empathy.
How does the character of Stargirl deviate from her classmates?
Stargirl deviates by maintaining a unique style, an eccentric personality, and a genuine, caring nature that does not conform to the established social norms of her high school peers.
Why is the "Pigeon Day" tradition significant in the novel Wringer?
It represents the climax of the social pressure Palmer faces, forcing him to choose between group acceptance as a "wringer" and acting according to his own moral compass by saving his pigeon, Nipper.
How does the author characterize Donald Zinkoff's uniqueness?
Zinkoff is characterized by his persistent, unwavering happiness and his inability to perceive the negative judgments of his classmates, which makes him appear "strange" or a "loser" to his peers.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jessica Narloch (Autor:in), 2006, Jerry Spinelli's Outsiders and its Relevance in Children's Literature, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/186368
