Spinelli, Jerry. Stargirl. New York: Knopf, 2000.

Genre: Young Adult

Summary: 14-year-old Leo remembers the day Stargirl left homeschooling and started going to his Arizona high school. Who could forget the old fashioned dresses, the tablecloth and flower vase at her desk, and the mouse in her pocket? But it’s Stargirl’s knack for knowing exactly who’s having a birthday and dancing around the cafeteria playing her ukulele while singing to them that gets her the most attention. Leo’s friend Kevin definitely wants to interview Stargirl for his school-run video show. Leo’s not sure why he’s against it; he just knows he wants to know more about this girl.

What’s to Like: I loved this book. Stargirl was an interesting character and I enjoyed the story told from Leo’s point of view. I was never quite sure what was going to happen next.

Other Info: No sexual content, appropriate for pre-teens and insightful older elementary students too.