"Stargirl"

"Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli is a teen book and what a great read!  Even though I'm no longer a teen, I am aspiring to be more like Stargirl.  I want to have her freedom and spontaneity!

At age 12 Leo Borlock moved from Pennsylvania to Arizona and his Uncle Pete gave him the porcupine tie Pete wore that Leo had admired all his life.  At age 14 Leo's collection grew when a porcupine tie showed up wrapped as a birthday gift and left on his doorstep after a write up in the local paper about his "collection" of porcupine ties.

In 11th grade Leo's life began to change when a new student arrived at school - "Stargirl."  She was a tenth grader who had previously been home schooled and she was nothing like anyone he'd ever met before.  She had her own style as far as clothes and actions were concerned and, at first, she captured the attention and affection of almost everyone at school.

However, eventually her unorthodox actions turned her into an outcast just as she and Leo were becoming an item.  So, as she was shunned by the school, so was he and he didn't like it.  He convinced Stargirl that being different wasn't such a great thing.  To his surprise Stargirl vanished and was replaced by Susan Caraway.  Susan was as different from Stargirl as night from day.  Susan didn't behave outlandishly or have a pet rat or carry a ukulele and Susan wore designer clothes.  Susan didn't perform spontaneous kind deeds or sing happy birthday to her classmates.

At first, Leo was pleased with Susan and being seen with such a beautiful girl but Susan noticed that nothing changed - She was still being shunned.  So Susan disappeared and Stargirl returned and Leo eventually backed off so their relationship ended.

He didn't take her to the Valentine's Ocotillo Ball nor did he go himself.  Stargirl went alone making one of her usually spectacular entrances.  He heard all about it later and the Bunny Hop dance she led that is still being talked about to this day.  Although some have tried to repeat it, they haven't met with the same success.

It was that summer that Stargirl disappeared again and her family home was up for sale.  Fifteen hears later Leo is still single and still remembers Stargirl.  He wonders where she is now and every time he reads in the paper about someone doing a good deed he thinks of her.

Leo's class has a reunion every 5 years but he hasn't returned.  He has kept in touch with his good friend, Kevin, though.  Leo wound up in television and Kevin is an insurance salesman.  Kevin says talk always turns to Stargirl at class reunions.  The high school has a new club that requires members to do one nice thing a day for someone other than themselves.  The band has a ukulele and the cheerleaders cheer for the opposing team.

In the meantime, Leo wonders about Stargirl but he doesn't feel alone  - he feels watched.

I hope there is a sequel -- or will I have to write my own?  pazt