Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl is a timeless story about the battle between individuality and popularity in high school. I found the story well-paced, easy to take in, and relatable. There's nothing more captivating than the mystery of what makes an unusual person tick. I also love explorations about what makes us normal or unusual in the first place, as I think we can all relate to that confounding notion, no matter what stage we're at in life.

It was fascinating to follow Leo's story as he and the rest of his classmates struggle with Stargirl's unfettered individualism. I had to know what would happen--both with Stargirl, and with Leo and his affections for her. While I wished I could have gotten to know Stargirl earlier in the narrative (through dialogue and more fully fleshed scenes), Spinelli's concise prose weaves an undeniable rhythm that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

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