Stargirl discussion

Walking with her after school that day, I said, “I guess you’re giving up, huh?”
She looked at me. “Giving up? On what?”
“On being popular. On being…” How could I say it?
She smiled. “Normal?”
I shrugged.
“Yes,” she said firmly.
“Yes?”
“I’m answering your question. The answer is yes. I’m giving up on trying to be popular and normal.”
…
“Don’t you think maybe you should back off a little?” I said. “Don’t come on so strong?”
She smiled at me…
“Because we live in a world of them, right? You told me that once.”
…
“I know you’re not going to ask me to the Ocotillo Ball. It’s okay.” She gave me her smile of infinite kindness and understanding, the smile I had seen her aim at so many other needy souls, and in that moment I hated her.”

Throughout the entire book Leo and Stargirl need to cope with the idea of normalcy. It comes to a head in this moment. Leo lives, perhaps even loves, Stargirl. However, her popularity has waned. Starting as a weird, newcomer, she eventually became wildly popular. Yet her quirky ways tire on people. Leo likes lots of things about her, but feels that to be public about his feelings, he needs someone he can proudly show off, someone who meets the approval of others. It’s objectifying really, but more importantly it shows how important meeting social standards is for many people, particularly adolescents. It is an interesting tension. You have people that feel they need to do exceptional and special things (win a state championship, be the best looking), yet if nothing else they want to blend it to a crowd, not stand out in a bad way.

Leo missed an opportunity here, one he would never get back. It’s a shame really, but sometimes we learn the hard way. Leo is a flawed, sometimes unlikeable, narrator and we see that as he comes to terms with Stargirl. Leo grows up to lead a rather normal life, but often thinks of Stargirl. Maybe there is something to be said for standing out after all.

I read Stargirl as a young teen, I’m now 28 and I still often think of her.