Stargirl - Jerry Spinelli

Recommended for girls of any age.

Stargirl is the story of the most beautiful soul who lands among the students of the very ordinary Mica High School. Calling herself Stargirl, the new student sets out to transform the world with songs and homemade cards.

At first the other students are shocked, then curious about Stargirl, but before long they come to hate her 'otherness' and her ideas about kindness. Shunning her, they also shun her boyfriend, Leo, who is the narrator of the tale. It is not until Leo shows how gutless he really is that Stargirl is able to leave a lasting impression at the school.

Spinelli has produced an engaging novel which is fast and easy to read. As a reader, you simultaneously love Stargirl's authenticity while knowing you would react in just the same way as Leo and his peers. It's a sobering thought.

It's a pretty girly read. You have been warned!