Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Release Date: August 8, 2000
Pages:192
Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Leo always follows the unspoken rules at Mica Area High School. Then Stargirl arrives at Mica High and everything changes-for Leo and for the entire school. After 15 years of home schooling, Stargirl bursts into tenth grade in an explosion of colour and a clatter of ukulele music, enchanting the Mica student body.
Somewhere in the midst of Stargirl's arrival and rise and fall, Leo has tumbled into love with her.

This book is a beautiful tale of conformity, first love and friendships. It deals with all topics; from bullying to friendship, from conformity to individual identity. It is one of those books that you can imagine becoming a children's classic, even though it is so new.

I loved the characterisation in this story. Even though Jerry Spinelli marketed this towards young teenagers, I think we can all learn something from Stargirl and Leo. Leo is the stereotypical teen boy, who just wants to get through high school without sticking out. He sticks to the crowd, and when Stargirl breaks the rules he is in shock. I think Leo is a representation of mankind these days, sticking to the rules and not daring to stick out. But Stargirl. Oh man, Stargirl. She was the character that we all aspire to be, so free and happy with who she is. She  doesn't care about what other people think about her, and is happy just doing her own thing. She is the inner 5-year old that we all have and I loved her so much.

It does have an open end, which is fine, but I WANT MORE! Spinelli manages to create this plot and world that you just want to stay in forever. Even though it is based off the real world, the people and places that he created leave an imprint on your heart that leaves you wanting more. The world building in this book is so beautiful and enthralling, leaving me feeling homesick for a world I'd never been in.

This book was such a boost of self-confidence, and made me feel like I could take on the world. I highly recommend that you read this book if you're going through a hard time and need a little pick-me-up. It is a book with simple language but a complex message. But overall it is a book that teaches you that being your own person is good, and should be accepted by society.