Stargirl

I am a fan of Jerry Spinelli and picked up both Stargirl books and throughly enjoyed them. The content and characters keep you in the story.

This has been my favorite book since I read it six years ago. It's set in Arizona and has passages that illustrate the stunning beauty of the desert. The book explores the way societies operate, our essential nature as humans, and the importance of staying true to oneself. One of the subplots is a clean romance appropriate for all ages. The reader finishes the book with a happy, nostalgic feeling, having been reminded that magic and beauty can be found in the simplest of places.

Originally I borrowed this from the library. Halfway through it I bought my own copy, and one for my niece. This is a story about a girl called Stargirl. She has been home tutored for most of her life and has no idea of conformity. She is herself, through and through. She wears pioneer type dresses, no make up, meditates, knows peoples birthdays, makes people feel good about themselves.At the start the majority of the school applauds her individuality and even flatters her when they copy her odd ways. But slowly they see her individuality as a hindrance and begin to turn on her. Leo, the 16 year old narrator of the book finds himself as her boyfriend, and as such is completely alienated from the rest of the school. It dawns on him that he has to choose, Stargirl or his friends and respect. This is probably one of the best books I have read for an awful long time, and I read a lot of books! I am keeping my copy on my bookshelf for my children to read, to teach them to applaud individuality, not discourage.

Who couldn't love Stargirl? She is the new girl in school who's a bit different than everyone else. She carries her pet rat to school, brings her ukelele, and wears period clothing her mom sews. But more importantly she is possibly the kindest person ever written about. She celebrates holidays by giving everyone in her homeroom a treat, and leaves greeting cards for people, and sings Happy Birthday to them. At first her popularity soars and she even becomes a cheerleader. Unfortunately the very thing that made her popular turns all the students on her... herself. One boy, the narrator is more caught up with her than anyone else. He befriends her and the two even date. But soon he can't stand the peer pressure and asks Stargirl to change. I have to admit that was really hard to read because I like the narrator but Stargirl shouldn't have to change! If it weren't for endless positivity some of the book would be too tough to get through.I really love the ending. I think it ended exactly the way it should. Not the best for everyone but the best for Stargirl. Perhaps everyone in the story learns their lesson about conforming individuals and I think the reader will too.