Stargirl

Leo is surprised that Stargirl’s house, her parents, and even her room are normal. Stargirl shows Leo her “happy wagon” (121) which is filled with 17 pebbles. Stargirl keeps 20 pebbles and adds them to the wagon when she is happy and removes them when she is sad. Later, Stargirl and Leo sit outside while Stargirl documents unscripted moments in the life of her five-year old neighbor. She is making a biography to give to the boy’s parents. Leo does not remember or care about the years when he was younger and does not understand Stargirl’s project. He hurts her feelings when he asks if she is trying to be a saint, saying he is amazed she spent the day doing things for other people. Stargirl, thinking Leo is jealous for her attention, kisses him.

Leo loves being alone with Stargirl but hates being at school, where the other students actively shun him. Leo thinks that Stargirl is accustomed to being ignored and that the shunning is therefore worse for him. He worries that, as his girlfriend, Stargirl is now a part of his identity. Students say mean things about Stargirl within earshot of Leo. Leo senses the other students’ anger toward Stargirl and partially relates to it.