Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli |No Prep 6th-8th

These Stargirl crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, written for Grades 6-8. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
• Grades: 6th–8th
• Resource type: Crossword puzzles
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, L.8.6, RL.6.1, RL.6.4 and more
• Price: $3.50

Challenge your middle school students to think deeply about Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli with this no-prep crossword puzzle pack. Each puzzle weaves together vocabulary, comprehension, and thematic analysis — pushing kids beyond surface-level recall and into the heart of what makes this novel so powerful.

If you’ve been searching for a way to get students actively wrestling with the big ideas — conformity, courage, identity, and belonging — without piling on extra prep, these crosswords are exactly what you need. The clues are designed to spark the same kinds of questions Leo himself faces, so your class stays engaged and thinking critically right to the last clue.

What’s Included:

• 10 section-specific crosswords — one for each chunk of chapters, from the prologue through the epilogue
• 2 whole-book review crosswords — perfect for wrapping up your novel study or prepping for final assessments
• 12 puzzles total, each with exactly 15 unique clues per puzzle
• Scaffolded difficulty: 5 easy puzzles, 7 medium, and 3 harder — all still accessible for grades 6–8
• Clue types push through recall, inference, symbolism, and thematic analysis — not just simple definitions
• Focus on characters, plot events, vocabulary-in-context, and the novel’s emotional core
• Complete answer keys for every puzzle — no extra thinking required on your part
• Well-illustrated design with thematic artwork that feels fresh and age-appropriate
• Both full-color and black-and-white versions included for flexible, ink-saving printing
• Approximately 48 pages total (puzzles + answer keys in both color and B&W)

These crosswords work beautifully for comprehension checks, Socratic seminar prep, literature circles, guided reading, homework, sub plans, and end-of-novel review. They’re also a great fit for independent practice or partner work — truly print-and-go.

Students build vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking while reinforcing the story’s deeper themes. Activities support Common Core ELA Standards RL.6–8.1, RL.6–8.4, L.6–8.4, and L.6–8.6.

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and give your class a thoughtful, ready-to-use way to explore Stargirl’s unforgettable journey.

Disclaimer: This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content is original.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More Stargirl resources

All Stargirl activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 6-8 (TpT lists 6th-8th).

How long is it?

It is a 48-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Stargirl?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($3.50) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.