Leo Act In Ways example essay topic

English Essay Stargirl Chris Rutigliano by Jerry Spinelli Leo Bor lock was an average High School kid until Stargirl came to Mica High. Different was the best way to describe her. She dressed different, acted different and didn't care what anyone thought about her. She sang to kids at lunch, handed out cookies and carried around a pet rat.

It made everyone uneasy, they thought she couldn't be real. Then she brings out a school spirit that wasn't there before and becomes popular and liked by all, but that doesn't last long and before long everyone hates her. Stargirl is better at friendship and being a friend than Leo is. There was something about Stargirl that Leo felt from the first time he saw her.

When he finds a Valentine in his locker that says "I Love You" from Stargirl, Leo falls head over heels. It was great until Leo notices that no one in the school is talking to him. The school blamed Stargirl for the basketball teams loss because she helped an opposing player after he was injured. Leo has to decide, Stargirl or all his friends at school.

He tries to change her into something she isn't. She wants his friendship so much she starts dressing the same as everyone else and acting the same as everyone else, she wears make-up and even tells Leo to call her Susan, her real name. It doesn't work; everyone still doesn't talk to her. Stargirl wins the State Oratorical Contest and figures for sure that she will be liked by everyone now, but it doesn't change anything. Stargirl decides that changing her appearance and even winning the contest didn't change the way everyone felt about her so she might as well be herself. Leo avoids her.

When she is playing her ukulele in the courtyard after school he leaves another way. "I know your not going to ask me to the Ocotillo Ball. It's okay". And Stargirl gave Leo a smile of infinite kindness and understanding. She was right, Leo didn't ask her. Leo didn't go but Stargirl did, alone.

At some point she has most of the kids there doing the bunny-hop around the country club and out onto the golf course. When they all finally return Hillari smacks her in the face and tells her she ruined everything. Instead of hitting Hillari back Stargirl gently kisses her on the cheek. When Stargirl leaves the dance no one ever sees her again. Real friendship shouldn't have conditions attached, and different isn't bad.

Peer pressure and acceptance made Leo act in ways he knew were wrong. He didn't stand up for her the way a friend should. Stargirl was always kind and caring not only to Leo but to everyone. Her only fault being she was different. She did special things for people and didn't need recognition for it, like a card or flowers or even a porcupine tie.