Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Synopsis (from Goodreads) 

Pages: 191

Publisher: Orchard Books

Released: 1st of June 2009 

From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, hallways hum “Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. Until they are not. Leo urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her - normal.

What I Have To Say 

I read this book in a day, partly because it was short and mostly because I was completely hooked on it. The mystery of who Stargirl is and what she's going to do next is so captivating that it holds the reader to the page just as much as it captures the attention of the students at her school. 

This is a story about identity and daring to be different. It shows a lot about conformity, bullying and what happens to people who dare to stand out from the crowd. But mostly, it's about seeing the world differently. It's like a fairy tale from start to finish, showing Stargirl as an ethereal character who catches the spirits and excitement of everyone around her. 

It truly is a beautiful story. The character of Stargirl is built up in a way that keeps her mysterious and elusive while still hinting at her feelings so that she feels both real and unreal at the same time. 

I'm not sure how the sequel will hold up, as I feel that maybe this story is better as a stand alone book, but I look forward to reading it anyway. 

My thanks go to Orchard Books and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book.