You might choose, for example, the disastrous taping of theHot Seat episode. There is plenty to write about in that part of the book and a variety of characters to enter into. You might decide to look at the scene from Leo's perspective and write a diary entry about what he is seeing and feeling, focusing on how hesitant he is to tape Stargirl's episode, how helpless he feels from the control room, and how appalled he is by the behavior of his fellow students.

Alternately, you might choose to write from Kevin's perspective, in a letter to a friend perhaps, and talk about how startled (and a little scared) he is when Cinnamon the rat runs up his chest and into his shirt. You might reflect, too, on Kevin's surprise when Stargirl pantomimes really being in the "hot seat" and how he doesn't exactly know how to respond to that. Stargirl is quite hard to keep up with!

If you want to go a different and more unexpected way, you could play the role of Hillari Kimble. This would give you a chance to explore Hillari's dislike, even hatred, of Stargirl. In a letter or diary entry from Hillari's perspective, you could talk about how strange Stargirl is and how uncomfortable she makes Hillari feel. Most people don't like feeling uncomfortable, and it makes them angry and resentful. Further, Hillari might just be a little jealous of Stargirl, whose lack of inhibition allows her to do crazy things that people often long to do and to just be herself. Perhaps that is what lies behind Hillari's vindictiveness.

If you're up for a real challenge, you might even write about the scene from Stargirl's perspective. See if you can enter into her mind and write as freely as she would. You could talk about why Stargirl decides to pretend that she is really in the "hot seat" and describe her feelings when the jury's questioning turns nasty.

Remember, whichever character you choose, you should write in the first person for that character. Pretend for a little while that you are Leo or Kevin or Hillari or Stargirl (or whichever character you choose), and try to capture the scene from his or her perspective.

I can’t do this assignment for you, but I am happy to provide you with some ideas to help get you started reflecting on it.

When writing a diary entry or letter from a character’s point of view, it is important to consider their character traits. For example, consider how Hillari is a judgmental, self-centered person. These are traits that would impact the tone of her writing and shape her thoughts on events. If she was writing about how she slapped Stargirl at the ball, she would likely write angrily about how much attention Stargirl got and justify her decision to slap her.

In contrast, Stargirl, who is a more caring and confident character, would likely write about the events of the ball in a different tone. She would probably express pity for Hillari and her anger and explain that she had a wonderful time at the ball regardless.

It would also be helpful to look at quotes from the character you choose to write about, so you know how they talk and think about things. For example, recall how right before Hillari slaps Stargirl at the ball. she says, “You ruin everything.” A diary entry from Hillari about this incident might include lines like: "Ugh! Stargirl always ruins everything! I can’t believe how she reacted when I slapped her! I hope she’s gone for good.”

Stargirl has a lot of great characters to choose from for this assignment. You are certainly welcome to choose Leo. I think he would be the most convenient character to choose, because the book is written from his perspective. The other convenient character to choose would be Stargirl. Leo spends a lot of time with her, and she opens up a great deal to Leo. This allows him to better understand her emotional health better than other characters. Additionally, Leo focuses on trying to tell readers about Stargirl and her antics, so the book is full of wonderful events that you could choose from; however, I recommend choosing a much more obscure character.

I would choose Hillari Kimble. While the whole school could be viewed as the antagonist, it is Hillari that firmly stays anti-Stargirl throughout the novel. Additionally, her antagonistic actions are much more physical than actions done by other people. The event I would consider is the event toward the end of the story when Hillari slaps Stargirl at the dance and Stargirl kisses her in return. Have Hillari write her journal entry later that night. Have her explain how beautifully the place was decorated and how fun it was to see everybody having a good time. Then talk about how incensed you were to see Stargirl at the dance, and then write about how much more infuriated you became once Stargirl took over the event and had people loving it.

You could choose to have Hillari pre-plan her slap, or you could have her do it automatically where her anger simply controls her. Readers get the impression that Hillari expects to be hit in return. It's why she winces when Stargirl finally moves, but Stargirl kisses her. Explore what that kiss does to Hillari on a mental and emotional level. Does it make her hate Stargirl more, or does Hillari finally feel some guilt?