Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Stargirl. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Stargirl Caraway, the free-spirited girl who briefly tried to be “normal” to please Leo Borlock, returns to her true self and wins the state oratorical contest, but the school shuns her. After a dazzling performance at the Ocotillo Ball, she and her family move away, and years later Leo, now an adult, still hopes to see her again, having received a porcupine necktie in the mail.
Quick facts
– Book: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
– First published: 2000
– Type: A young adult novel
– Tone of the ending: Bittersweet
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
At Mica Area High School in Arizona, a new girl named Stargirl wears strange clothes, plays ukulele and sings happy birthday to classmates. At first everyone loves her, but when she cheers for the opposing basketball team, the school turns against her. Leo, who loves her, asks her to be more like everyone else.
What Happens at the End of Stargirl
Stargirl becomes “Susan,” dressing and acting normally, but the school still ignores her. She returns to being Stargirl and wins the state oratorical contest, but no one welcomes her home. Leo abandons her. At the Ocotillo Ball, she dances, and everyone joins her bunny hop. Hillari Kimble slaps her, and Stargirl kisses her cheek. Stargirl disappears and moves away. Leo regrets his choice.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Stargirl returns to her true self.
- Leo abandons her.
- She leaves town.
- Leo regrets his choice.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Stargirl Caraway | Moves away |
| Leo Borlock | Regrets his choice |
| Archie Brubaker | Leo's mentor |
| Hillari Kimble | Slaps Stargirl |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows the cost of conformity and the value of being yourself.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Readers debate whether Leo deserved Stargirl, and many see him as a warning about choosing popularity over love. The adult Leo's quiet hope that she is still out there gives the ending its bittersweet tone.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Conformity. The school demands sameness.
Identity. Stargirl stays true to herself.
Regret. Leo regrets his choice.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Stargirl as bittersweet. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Jerry Spinelli to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are bittersweet will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Jerry Spinelli closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 2020 Disney+ film changes several details and ends on a more hopeful note.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Stargirl with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about conformity, and do you agree with Jerry Spinelli's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as bittersweet, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces conformity and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what Jerry Spinelli leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Stargirl often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Stargirl earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of Stargirl on Amazon
Books to Read After Stargirl
- Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
- Paper Towns by John Green
Related: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like Stargirl You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Stargirl?
Stargirl Caraway, the free-spirited girl who briefly tried to be “normal” to please Leo Borlock, returns to her true self and wins the state oratorical contest, but the school shuns her. After a dazzling performance at the Ocotillo Ball, she and her family move away, and years later Leo, now an adult, still hopes to see her again, having received a porcupine necktie in the mail.
Is the ending of Stargirl happy or sad?
Most readers call it bittersweet.
What does the ending of Stargirl mean?
The ending shows the cost of conformity and the value of being yourself.
Is the ending of Stargirl the same in the adaptation?
The 2020 Disney+ film changes several details and ends on a more hopeful note.
Who wrote Stargirl and when was it published?
Stargirl was written by Jerry Spinelli and first published in 2000.
Is Stargirl worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy young adult novels. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Jerry Spinelli prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Stargirl before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.