Crash

Crash is a "typical" junior high kid, addicted to football, and a slave to fashion. When he was young, he was befriended by a Penn Webb, a poor vegetarian quaker. While Crash really didn't want to be associated with somebody so uncool, Webb still continued to be friendly to Crash.

In 7th grade, Crash is the undisputed star of the football team. He is attracted to a girl, however, the girl wont have anything to do with him, and prefers to spend time with Webb. (Crash's younger sister also runs with Webb's nonconformist group.)

Eventually, Crash's beloved grandfather moves in with them, has a stroke, and becomes incapacitated. Crash eventually lets Webb beat him in a race and starts a two-way friendship.

This novel is weaker version of Spinelli's Stargirl books. (Crash's younger sister Abby would probably be best friends with "Stargirl") The student body "mass" is utterly obsessed with designer labels and conformity. Even Crash's parents come across as over-the-top "conformists", even disguising name-brand clothes as "second-hand" to appease Abby. Only by throwing away the obsession with conformity can the characters become alive. In the end, Crash and his parents "break free" to join Abby, Webb and his family in their "freedom".