Stargirl and The Burn Journals
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli was a treat to read. The main character is a boy and the book focuses on how his relationship with the self-proclaimed Stargirl changes from a distant fascination to a girlfriend. Stargirl was home schooled until she arrives and must adjust to the judgmental teenagers at her school. She is different and first she is shunned but it later revered. This book was a fun read and could easily be paired with Maniac Magee or The Chocolate War. They all deal with conformity and memorable characters.

The Burn Journals was a fabulous book. It is written about the healing process that Brent Runyon faces after he tries to commit suicide by lighting himself on fire. It covers the actual event and Brent's stays in hospitals. I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly. I kept waiting for some big Hollywood breakdown, but since this story was real life (it is autobiographical) it wasn't as dramatic as the movies make these things. Slowly, Runyon heals, both mentally and physically.
- posted by Alicia @ 6:39 PM