Stargirl

This book is an unusual, magical story about differences and how we often react to those who don’t conform to the norms in society.

The plot is tremendously intertwined with suspense, the type that unexpectedly creeps up on you and surprises you every time. You are instantly hooked from start to finish.

Unputdownable. I was totally immersed from the first page. It's an unforgettable book. If you believe in non-conformity, then this book is for you.

I know there’s a movie, a play, and a comic book at this point. But read the original book – Stargirl! It’s still the best. “Stargirl” Caraway shows up at Mica High School after being home-schooled her whole life. She does her own thing in an honest, uninhibited way. She brings her pet rat and ukulele to school every day and plays and sings “Happy Birthday” to any and every student on their birthday. She wears kimonos and pioneer clothes. At first everyone else is not sure what to make of her and she is kept at a distance,… show more.

This wonderful story is about the power and perils of nonconformity. The main character, Stargirl, is truly enchanting. She represents the ethereal qualities that people aspire to have: to appreciate the little things, to dare to be different, and to be kind to strangers. Her selfless, unique nature does not go so well in her critical high school environment. The story is beautifully told, leaving readers inspired to let their true selves shine and to accept others as they are.

Let’s start with something sweet, or bittersweet. A book about first love and whether one can break with conditioning and fears in order to join with a person who has touched our soul, our core, but who seems to live on a different plane altogether.

This American teen novel, so easy to read, is all about whether we can listen to the inner voice of delight or whether the need to show the right face to the world will win.

While my first three suggestions were picture books, I have upped the age a little here. Stargirl is a tween/YA novel, and it is incredible. Jerry Spinelli has written a personal development book in the form of a beautiful work of fiction. Standing out, fitting in, being yourself, hiding your gifts, embarrassment of yourself and others, beauty, it’s all here as the amazing ukulele playing, singing, gift-giving, caring, “oddly”-dressed Stargirl enters the life of a normal, everyday town and turns it on its head.

As a reader, Stargirl is a warm cuddle of delight. As a writer, Stargirl is a… show more.