Stargirl was a very touching story, as Tristinn pointed out, but what I loved the most about this story was that it was told from the perspective of Leo, another high school student. Leo is immediately captivated by Stargirl and held in raptures by her spirit. He is in awe of her ability to disregard any sort of “standard” behavior and starts following her trying to understand. Soon they form an actual friendship and he joins her in some of her unique escapades. Quickly though the reality of what a friendship with Stargirl means with regard to others opinions and actions towards Leo sets in. Leo is torn between his love of Stargirl’s unique spirit and his unease over the reactions it receives. In the end it becomes too much for Leo.
This book is so much more than just high lighting the beauty of someone who marches to her own drum. Instead it forces us to look at some of the consequences of doing just that. Stargirl’s effect on her community lasted for decades to come, but as a result she was never truly accepted even by those closest to her. Leo’s struggle between admiring Stargirl’s non-conformation and need to relate to those around him is a struggle that many of us go through. We are drawn to those who stand out, yet when we get to know them, we struggle on how to fit them into the lives we truly want. Marching to the beat of your own drum is admirable, but it comes at a cost we might not all be willing to pay.
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