The story is of a boy, Leo who is a high school student in Arizona. One day a new girl shows up: Stargirl. At first nobody knows what to think of her; she dresses in unusual clothing, is nice to everyone for no reason, plays the ukelele and isn't like anybody else. She is different, and doesn't care about what people think of her. Eventually people appreciate her uniqueness, and they embrace her eccentric ways. All of a sudden, there is an awakening that takes place at the school, and people are amazed by her, including Leo. Then after she upsets her classmates by cheering for the opposing basketball teams at the games, she is shunned. In the blink of an eye, everyone ignores her. This happens right as Leo and Stargirl's love is unfolding. Leo is torn--should he care about Stargirl, or about everybody else at school?
Then Stargirl does something to try to make Leo stay: be becomes a "normal" girl. She wants to make everyone like her, she wants to be popular with her classmates. She no longer goes by Stargirl, she is now Susan; a regular girl. At first this makes Leo happy, he thinks everyone will accept her again. Accept them. Things don't work out though, she isn't happy, and people still don't like her. At this point she can't do it anymore, she goes back to being herself, Stargirl. Leo doesn't know what to do, so he backs off. Stargirl eventually moves away, but not without leaving a lasting impression on everyone that has known her. Years later, Leo still thinks about her, and realizes what a special person she was.
This is a great book for young readers because it teaches a very important lesson: be yourself. You can try to please other people, but it won't guarantee popularity or happiness. Being different can be a beautiful thing, so don't judge people or bully them into changing who they are.
--Jana Kania, ERDL 524
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