Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Readability: 2 Really quick, easy read. I finished it in a day.

Teachability: 4 Like any decent book it has some characteristics that are teachable (characterization, voice, setting, etc.) but I wouldn't necessarily choose it as a whole class book. If I had to chose something to teach from it I would take it in to the larger community of the school and talk about bullying and acceptance. (Suggested grade level: 5-12)

Did I like It?: Yes, very much. I originally had this book read aloud to me by my fifth grade teacher, so it brings back some really fond memories of her. As for the book itself, I liked the characters mostly. I particularly liked Stargirl, she was so great. Leo, though, I got really mad at him. I can't tell you why I got mad at him without spoiling the story.

Summary: At Mica High School, in Arizona, the students are all more or less the same. they all wear the same brands of clothes, listen to the same kinds of music, you get the picture. Ever day was the same at Mica High, until Stargirl came and set everyone on their ears with her unrelenting kindness and her infectious individuality. Everyone wonders who she is, where she came from, and why, why, why does she act the way she does. By the end of the book Leo has the answers to most of the questions that circulate about Stargirl, but he doesn't really understand her any better than anyone else.

Recommended For: Everyone. It's a great book.