The new tenth-grader who arrived on the first day of school at Mica High stands out for many reasons: she wears odd clothes, carries a ukulele she uses to serenade fellow students on their birthdays, and doesn’t seem to care when other kids make fun of her. At first, Leo Borlock watches Stargirl Caraway because he thinks she has potential as a guest on the student-produced cable television show he hosts. But before long, Leo is head-over-heels in love with Stargirl and her weird ways. The entire school, in fact, seems to develop an infatuation with her. But, just as quickly, they turn on Stargirl when her nonconformity goes too far. Spinelli’s witty novel offers plenty for teen readers to think about in terms of individuality and conformity, and why some kids are popular while others are social outcasts. Honor Book, CCBC 2001 Michael L. Printz Discussion (Ages 12-16)