Stargirl is a young adult novel written by American author Jerry Spinelli and first published in 2000.Stargirl was well received by critics, who praised the Stargirl (real name is Susan) character and the novel's overall message of nonconformity.It was a New York Times Bestseller, a Parents Choice Gold Award Winner, an ALA Top Ten Best Books Award winner, and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year.targirl was well received by critics, who praised the Stargirl (real name is Susan) character and the novel's overall message of nonconformity.