Stargirl

I went to school with a girl like Stargirl. She transferred to us in junior high and she was different. Alarmingly different. She held seances. Her hair was this wild brillo pad that stuck straight out in all directions. She tried to levitate herself at recess. She had funny moles. She was a budding artist who drew on any surface that would not be deemed vandalism.

She was completely ostracized. Like the students at Mica, we did not know what to do with her. Unlike the students at Mica, there was no honeymoon period. Just hate. Here we were, little Catholic conformists with our plaid uniforms and this complete oddball had been thrust into our midst. I have never before or since seen children be so mean. To be associated with her was anathema. I haven't thought about her in years, but now I wonder, what were her parents thinking? Why send your child who desperately wants/needs to be different, to be herself- into this hotbed of sameness. She even joined my scout troop. Another uniform to wear. Unlike Stargirl (spoilers I guess) she survived the year. She actually stayed with us until high school. Unlike Leo, I never got the chance to see her jar of stones. I never allowed myself to be friends with her. I don't know how unhappy or happy she was with her lot. She must have the toughest skin or maybe she didn't care. I hope she's doing well, wherever she is today. I know it's a stretch, but I hope high school was better for her.

Reading this book was in a way very cathartic. I have reservations about its plausibility, but that's honestly a good thing. If some junior high student reads this book and decides to be a little left of the center, or better still, if some jerky junior student reads this book and decides to be a little nicer to the kids who take a chance on standing out, it's worth its weight in gold.