Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

Star Girl is a great young adult/chapter book that would be excellent reading for tweens or would also be beneficial as a "read aloud" to small groups in upper primary school who are preparing for middle school. There is a section at the end of the book for open discussion and questions regarding, what would you do? This realistic fiction is the story of a young girl who has been home schooled and finds herself as a new sophmore student in Arizona's Mica High School. She tends to be very eccentric and demonstrates many traits not typical of teenage girls. She soon earns the title of weird, unusual, loud, unable to fit in and simply unacceptable by any of her peers, accept for one faithful friend. She yearns to be popular and liked, but she goes a little too far trying to be noticed when she upsets the entire school with her compassionate behavior. In desparation, she even changes her wholesome personality to please a certain male friend who just wants a "normal" girlfriend. Both are met with challenges and choices. This compelling story teaches a valuable lesson about staying true to yourself and not buckling under peer pressure. It also offers children an education in developing character, trust and integrity. I highly recommend this story, especially to young girls who are struggling with their identity and purpose in the young adult world.