Book Review: Stargirl

Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of nonconformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love.

—From Goodreads

Cover Inspection:
Love this cover. Complete and utter love.

First Thoughts:
Leo is a cutie, I must say.

***

Stargirl is one of those novels that you can finish reading, but you can never really forget. The message it puts forward is one of uniqueness, one of self-esteem, one of being who you are no matter what else everyone else thinks! This is a message that kids don’t really receive much anymore, especially with the media trying to fit them all into one mold. Yes, it is a cliche message, but one that is so important in a child’s life.

What I really loved about Stargirl was her quirky ways. Any child, any person really, who picks up this book will fall in love with her instantly! She is sweet and funny. It is almost as though she has an impenetrable shield between her and all the evil looks the “normal” kids shoot at her. Stargirl oozes charisma and and uniqueness. It’s hard to compare her to any other character I’ve met so far.

And then, there’s Leo. Her love. Her soul mate. I loved following his stream of consciousness in this book, giggling as he fought between utter embarrassment and total love. It reminded me of all the relationships I ever had in middle school and high school. So confused, and yet so determined to figure it all out.

I would recommend this book to anyone! To kids, to adults, to those who just need a boost and a smile.

Book Details
Title: Stargirl
Author: Jerry Spinelli
Publisher: Knopf Book for Young Readers
Pages: Paperback; 188
Source: Goodreads