These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Personal Response Prompt

A popular adage, or phrase that shares a general truth, is “A little bit of kindness goes a long way.” Think of a time when someone completed a kind act for you. What happened? How did you feel? Now, think of a time when you performed a Selfless Act of Kindness for someone. What did you do? Why did you perform this act? How did your kind act impact the recipient? How did you feel after?

Teaching Suggestion: This activity introduces the literary term “adage” within the context of a personal reflection on kind acts. Encourage students to write about experiences that involved selflessness, as opposed to ones that benefited the student in one way or another. 

• This article from Britannica provides more information on adages.

Post-Reading Analysis

The late children’s book author Dr. Seuss once said, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” In the novel, many of the characters are preoccupied with either Fitting In or Standing Out. Imagine that both Stargirl and Leo have the opportunity to respond to the quote above. How would Stargirl answer the question? What about Leo? Write 1 paragraph from each character’s perspective.