Stargirl

Author: Jerry Spinelli
Copyright Date: 2000
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Number of Pages: 186
Reading Level: Ages 12 & up
Genre: Fiction

Summary
"Stargirl" is a lovely story about a boy named Leo Borlock, an eleventh grader at Mica Area High School (MAHS). He has always been comfortable with high school life, living by the conformity of his fellow classmates. He and his peers are the stereotypical high school students. They all dress the same, act the same, listen to the same music, etc. No one ever did anything outside the "norm". No one except for her. On the first day of Leo's Junior year of high school, Stargirl (Susan) Caraway first came to MAHS. She had been home schooled up until then, and she was definitely not like the average high school girl. Stargirl showed up on the first day wearing a long dress, sporting a sunflower bag, and carrying a ukulele. All anyone can do is stare in disbelief, and at first no body likes her. The rest of the story goes throughout the experiences of Leo and Stargirl; the rise and fall of her popularity, the friendship and eventual love between Leo and Stargirl, and many other things. In the end Leo chooses the opinions of others over Stargirl, and she ends up disappearing. Once she leaves, Leo realizes what he's lost. Spinelli tells the story in a way that makes you want to just keep reading!

My Reaction
I first read this book a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I read it again for my Children's Literature class, and I loved it again! I think it's such a cute story and it's so easy to fall in love with the book and the characters in it.

Potential Problems
One thing about this book is that it has a some of the stereotypical "high school kids" drama in it. There are times where students do really mean things to Stargirl and they don't accept her for who she is. Some people may not like how the students in this book are portrayed, because not all high school kids are that way.

Recommendations
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read with a fun, enchanting story. Anyone can fall in love with this book!