Rereading this as an adult (and I’m pretty sure I read this when I was very young) felt different. Can I see how middle school teachers point to the character and say “Be yourself!” “Don’t judge others!” but it’s hard when our narrator is just like them. And the other students my GOD, they were so cruel. Was that really how high school was? Did people care that much? I just really felt for Stargirl, even if she didn’t care.

I feel no sympathy for Leo’s bread slice ass. He was a dick, wanted to be with Stargirl, but only in secret. Got her to change, and couldn’t face how unhappy that made her. Was Stargirl kind of annoying and a little cringy? Sure. But she cared, she was endearing, and was a really fun character to read about.

I’m happy to have read this, I’ll debate continuing on with the second book.