Right from the start, Stargirl is unlike anyone else Leo Borlock has ever met. Her unusual clothing, and ability to bring out the best in anyone, earns the self-named Stargirl a place of distinction among the otherwise-ordinary students of Mica High. She sings in public, remembers birthdays, delivers anonymous cards, has a pet rat, and roots for everyone, even the opposing team. She keeps files on people, so they’ll know what they were like when they were young, when they’re old enough to appreciate it. And for whatever reason, she’s fixed upon Leo as a kindred spirit. Initially, the school regards her with distrust and alienation, but over time, they grow to accept her whole-heartedly, even making her a cheerleader. All the while, Stargirl draws Leo further into her web of magic and beauty. Then, as these things will happen, Stargirl’s refusal to change to suit the masses leads to a horrible backlash, rendering her and Leo both outcasts. Leo, desperate for approval and acceptance by his peers, tries to get Stargirl to conform… but can an ordinary Susan overcome the disapproval of the others, and more importantly, will she want to?

In the end, Stargirl has to choose what to hold on to, and what to let go. So does Leo, and it’s a choice that will haunt him for the rest of his life. This is a story about the struggle between remaining true to oneself, and conforming for the sake of acceptance. It’s also about beauty, love, and the inner magic we’re all capable of. Even though it’s not overt or blatant, this is as much a fantasy as any of the ones about wizards or dragons. Lyrical, funny, evocative and imaginative, Stargirl is a genuine treat, the sort of book that can brighten up any rainy afternoon with its subtle encouragement to strive for the inner magic within us all.