The Freedom to be Different in an Environment that Conforms - Stargirl

Stargirl

This is one of my all time favorite books. Stargirl was homeschooled and then she started high school. She was different from the other children. At first the other children were suspicious of her, but then they grew to love her. Because she had been homeschooled she had the self-confidence to be herself and that is the story of the book.

I heard the criticism that the story in the book takes place in Arizona and the facts about Arizona aren't fully correct, but not knowing much about Arizona I didn't find anything incorrect when I read it.

If you like the book, there is a sequel, Love, Stargirl and the other Jerry Spinelli book I like is Maniac Magee