Stereotyping

A central theme of Just Another Hero is stereotyping among teenagers and the consequences it can bring. In the beginning of the book, lead character Arielle admits that Olivia Thigpen is foremost among the classmates she has treated badly, and the primary cause has been Olivia's size. Olivia is big, she plays the tuba, and it is inconceivable to Arielle that someone so relatively unattractive — at least compared to her own size 2 figure — could attract her former boyfriend, Jericho. Later Jericho and Kofi have a conversation in which they reveal that both of them have learned to value love and support over beauty in the qualities they look for in a girlfriend, and even Arielle eventually learns that Olivia's personal appearance is not nearly as important as her warmth and friendship.

Osrick Wardley is another victim of stereotyping. His small size and bookish personality make him...