Stargirl

Sweetness is such a wonderful ingredient, and so rare in a YA novel.

When Stargirl joins regular school after having been homeschooled most of her life, she is something of a phenomenon. She dresses strangely and does odd things. She seems to know everybody’s name and everyone’s birthday. She strums her ukulele and sings ‘Happy birthday’ to each one. She is the weird girl at school, but diverting enough to become popular.

The problem, though, is that Stargirl does not seem to see a difference between ‘us’ and ‘them’. At basketball matches, she cheers equally for both teams – for don’t you feel elated when a team scores? Apparently, the answer is ‘no’. Cheering for the enemy is unheard of, unthinkable.

Yet, Stargirl does not care – or even seem to notice – when classmates begin to shun her. She continues to burst with spontaneity and love.

So, Leo, who loves her but seeks everyone’s acceptance, begins to urge her to do the impossible. He urges her to be normal.

Stargirl is a story of optimism, bursting with wonder, simplicity and kindness. There were so many things I adored about the book!
I love that Stargirl wears her name like a dress – for as long as it suits her.
I love that she has a happy wagon with pebbles – she takes pebbles out when she is sad and puts them in when she is happy.
I love her enchanted place, and I love her rat Cinnamon.
The very possibility of a Stargirl in this world makes me soar.