Stargirl

By December, Stargirl is the “most popular girl in the school” (36). Leo offers four possible reasons for this change. First is Stargirl’s amazing cheerleading debut during which she cheers non-stop, plays the ukulele during halftime, and climbs the goalpost. Second is the backlash against Hillari Kimble, who threatens to harm Cinnamon the rat and faces opposition from other students. Third is ninth-grader, Dori Dilson, who starts sitting with Stargirl during lunch, prompting a crowd to join them. Lastly, Leo wonders if the students themselves changed. Kids imitate and accept Stargirl. They also unite in praise for her when she wins a local oratorical contest.

Stargirl inspires students to express their individuality. Kids start clubs, write letters to the school paper, dye their hair, and wear different shoes. Leo thinks it is wonderful to watch her kindness spread throughout the school. He recognizes there is a new positive community spirit at MAHS. Leo also feels a new sense of freedom, but he does not know how to express it. When he tells Archie that the changes at school are a “miracle” (41), Archie warns him that miracles do not last very long.