Stargirl is noticed and accepted by the "in-crowd," and things seem to be going well for her. At that point her popularity becomes the talk of the school. Her antics get her so much attention she is invited to become a cheerleader. She cheers and flips with grace and enthusiasm. ĭuring a school football game, Stargirl takes it upon herself to be an unofficial cheerleader. They don't get too close or invite her into their group of friends. Others are intrigued with Stargirl and watch for and expect her weird but entertaining behavior. Dori and a few of the unpopular kids sit with Stargirl in the lunchroom. While most people do not want to associate with this odd girl, she does make friends with a ninth grader named Dori Dilson.
He also has an old Tattered Saguaro Cactus on his property which seems to be standing watch over them all. Archie has a favorite specimen, the skull of a Paleocene rodent. (Archibald Hapwood) Brubaker's house, a place where they learn from "Archie," who is a retired college teacher/paleontologist a friend, sounding board, and philosopher for many of the teens who gather there. Many of the teens in the neighborhood gather occasionally at A.H. There are some clear indications that Leo just might be falling in love with her. As days go bye, Leo and Kevin get into a disagreement about putting Stargirl on Hot Seat. Still, Leo balks at the idea sensing it might not be the right thing to do. They decide to interview her for the Hot Seat, a local cable television program they have launched. Leo and Kevin (best friends) are fascinated with this new girl.
Hillari Kimble says she thinks Stargirl is a "plant," someone put in the school by the administration to get students interested in school, to create school spirit. It is unclear how she knows that someone has a birthday. Day after day she does this focusing on one particular person to whom she sings Happy Birthday. During lunch, while Leo and Kevin are sitting together, Stargirl pulls out a Ukulele and begins to strum on it and dance around the lunchroom.
Leo Borlock learns about Stargirl from his best friend Kevin Quinlan. Her clothes are different as are her mannerisms, and she has a pet rat she carries around in a bag that has a picture of a Sunflower on it. To say she is different is an understatement. It was the first day of school at Mica High School and the halls are buzzing about the new girl who calls herself Stargirl Caraway.