Rating: 5 Hoo-Rahs
In case you can't see in the picture, the dog-eared corners and edges show how much I love this book!!
Jerry Spinelli completely outdid himself on this one. Even though its copyright date is 2000, this book should not be passed over. The subject matter is appropriate for 10 year olds, even though it is written in a high school students voice. This story is all about peer pressure. The amazing message that laces its way throughout this book is, individuality. Stargirl is beautifully eccentric, as her name suggests. She appears at Mica High School as a new student, a unique new student. Someone forgets to give her the fashion memo, and even if they had, she'd have tossed it. Stargirl lives HER life HER way. Leo finds her unique qualities mesmerizing. He is completely smitten.
What I love about this book is how confounded Mica High students become in the presence of someone who dares to be different. Her strength of character is motivating, and the world she lives in is enchanting. I wish every 10 year old would read this book, that is, before they enter mid-high school. If one out of every 10 young readers felt prompted to live their life following their dream, rather than the crowd, then high school would look quite different. Which, as I think about it, adult readers might change the way they lived too.
I don't want to give too much of the story away, I hope I piqued your curiosity ;-)
Looks like a great book! Thanks for sharing!
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