Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

     Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli is a fantastic book. It takes place in Arizona and is narrated by Leo Borlock who's heart is captured by Stargirl the day he meets her at Micah High. Stargirl explores the themes of friendship, first love and how that it's okay to BE YOU and no one else has the right to tell you different.
      When Stargirl first transfers to Micah High no one knows what to make of her. Somehow, she figures out which day someone's birthday is and will play her ukulele and sing to the during lunch. She's kind, odd and different. She sings in the rain, has a pet rat that she carries around everywhere and Leo can't help but fall in love. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with one cheer. The students of Micah High are completely and utterly enchanted by her. Until, she makes one mistake that results in her downfall. Leo can't bear the pain of the hate she is given. So, he decides she can no longer be Stargirl. So, foolishly, Leo urges her to be the one thing that she cannot be.
Normal.
Stargirl takes up the name she was given at birth. People start to like her again. She's normal. She doesn't carry her pet rat. She stops singing and playing her ukulele during lunch or for anyone's birthday. She doesn't dance in the rain. The Stargirl that first walked in is gone. The Stargirl that Leo fell in love with is no more.
And at the very end of the book your heart will break as mine did and you'll have no choice but to read the sequel Love, Stargirl.
I recommend you read this. It's a terrific book for those of us who adore realistic fiction.

Remember to keep reading and be nice to others,
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