•  This, too, shall pass, young padawan.

• Katie, We love you. They are wrong. Don't ever listen to or obey wrong people.

• The force is with you Katie.... The force will always be with you.

• Go Katie! I am 37 and I just bought an awesome Robot/Monster/Rocket Ship lunchbox to take to work. It makes me happy to eat my lunch. I would have chosen Star Wars, had it similarly been on sale. Either way, embrace your inner and outer geek. Both boys and girls can like anything they want and NEVER forget that! Be yourself, Katie!

• You go Girl! Be proud of what you like and who you are! Star Wars movies are my favorite movies ever. I saw my first movie with my dad when I was 3 years old. Over 30+ years later BOTH my son and daughter are avid fans. Of coarse, 20 years a go some BOY told me that I couldn't be an Engineer because I was a GIRL. Evidently he was oh SO wrong! Many of my female engineering friends are girls and Star Wars fans. The moral of my little tail is no one can tell you what you can't like or be but you. I am SO Jealous. Both my little girl and little boy are very proud to be my Star Wars buddies. I hope you don't stop being the Bestest Little Girl ever to please someone else. Lots of Love and May the Force be with you!

• I tried to leave a comment on Katie's page, but it was too busy, so I'll leave one here. To start, Katie, I am in awe of your bravery. So many kids, especially girls, are afraid to be who they are for what other people think of them. But at such a young age you are already letting it all out there for everyone to see. It's also so important that you have a mom who supports you in that. I think too many parents are also so afraid of how their children will be seen, judged and treated that they project onto them the seemingly "normal" traits that are completely overrated. I know my parents helped shape me into the dyed-in-the-wool geek girl that I am today by taking me and my brother to sci-fi conventions and sitting us down to watch Star Wars (and so much more) as a family. (My brother has actually met Anthony Daniels, the man who played C-3PO, because of those conventions). So don't be afraid or dare for one second to not be you, because you are what those other kids wish they could be - the most awesome first grader EVER.

• I don't know what words of support I could offer that haven't already been written. In reading these posts I'll admit that I've never been so proud to stand alongside such remarkable women. Although I cannot claim any amazing accomplishments I can add a little of my story... I too was considered an "odd" girl. I saw Star Wars multiple times when it came out (yes I'm that old). I had collector cards and even the Star Wars edition Cougar shoes (still have them). I have Han Solo's blaster and had a marathon tantrum when my parents refused to buy me Darth Vader's mask. I was picked on. There were plenty of lies told about me to get me into trouble. Lots of "meetings" with my parents, getting kicked off the bus and being spit on. I spent too many years and shed too many tears trying to figure out why I was so hated just for having different interests. Like you I was blessed with a wonderfully loving and supportive family. Then one not so very special day I started to care a tiny bit less about other people's opinions of me and a tiny bit more about my own. Now this is the message that's been so prevalent in most of these postings but it's a good one and worth repeating. At some point I realized that all of those quirky, odd things that made me feel like I didn't fit in suddenly made me special. This geek rides a cool motorcycle, I SCUBA dive, I was a (hate to say it) "beauty queen" and I'm a black belt. (So I can kick all those bullies' butts and look good doing it *wink*). Now all of those "boy" things that I like make me kinda cool. Please know that I've said this not to be boastful but only to illustrate a point. You are a wonderful, brilliant and very brave girl. Just look at what you've done! Look at all the support you've rallied! I'll tell you one thing you've DEFINITELY got on those kids, YOU'RE FAMOUS!!!!!!! All the best to you!

• Nerd girl for life. I always have been and hopefully always will be. Stay strong and know you aren't alone!

• Once you get that water off the trays.

• Katie - Dale Carnegie writes that if you are being criticized, it is done because it gives the criticizer a feeling of importance. It often means that you are accomplishing something and are worthy of attention. By teasing you, those boys think they are making themselves better. They aren't. We can't all be the same. How boring would be the forest if all the birds sang the same tune. Your differences make you interesting, which is drawing the attention of those boys. At that age, teasing is about the only way boys can show you that they find you interesting. I used to get teased a lot in first grade, and it wasn't any fun back then either. I'm a woman of 46, and quite proud of my geekiness. I became a nuclear engineer (how's that for geeky?). When you go to college you are going to learn you are NOT ALONE in the world of "geeks". Point of fact, they will be all around you and making friends there will be like shooting fish in a barrel (that means easy). Until then, be proud of who you are. "Geeks" and "nerds" brought computers to life and put men on the moon. I'm looking forward to seeing all that YOU accomplish. Keep up the good fight!

• Ugh...Looks like those boys need a little "talkin' to"...I've got a couple nephews that age that would LOVE to stick up for her...(No, not condoning violence) but, c'mon...where's the lunch lady! Keep your head up, girl! (I'm a guy with a daughter, and that makes me MAD!)

• WGN TV here in Chicago ran a story on it just tonight! (Beware of groan-worthy journalist humor with Star Wars references.) http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/eda26280-084e-4b8b-8230-004c370ffeb8/News/Girl-finds-The-Force-is-with-her-on-the-web

• Same thing happened to me when I was a little girl- once I got to highschool and got boobs I turned into a bitch... I will make sure this happens to no other sweet little nerd girls!

• Hang tough little nerd girl. When you get older it will pay off big time. Little boys are stupid. Trust me, I've been one for thirty three years.

• Aw man, kids are just so cruel. Female SW geek right here, you lil gits! Along with CoD, Assassin's Creed, Halo, G.I. Joe, Spawn. I'm a total fanatic over those and more. And I cook and clean, too. Sheesh.

• Hi Katie!! First off YOU ROCK! I am a life-long Star Wars fan and I'm 41. Being the girl so into Star Wars at a young age didn't bother me in the least. I didn't know it wasn't cool and to be honest I couldn't figure out what was wrong with everyone else that they DIDN'T think it was the best movie ever. I play Roller Derby now and have a Star Wars themed derby name, as do many of the women involved. We even try to have a Star Wars vs. Star Trek bout every year. So fear not young Katie, you are awesome and a free thinker. You have no boundaries and are tied to no rules that say who should like what. Keep doing what you love and loving what you do and you will go far in life. May the Force be With You! Mary

• i hate stories like this. i was always made fun of as a kid as well. i was into video games, star wars, indiana jones, harry potter, you name i liked it. stay strong katie everything gets better, don't let people get you down, stand up for what you like, don't be scared to be your self. eventually you and all the kids that are hurting you will grow up and those boys that are teasing you will realize too late how great of a person you are. you will have already made friends that like star wars like you and you'll have an awesome nerdy guy that thinks your cool. channel Leia and be strong girlie!

• hey katie, keep on strong, little sister! knowing yourself, loving what & who you love, being the you that you uniquely are ~ these are all AMAZING things :-). those less secure in themselves will *always* act out their own lack of self-love on the ones around them who are stronger...who are easier to single out because they aren't hiding themselves to become a part of a 'less realness is better pack' :-). keep it real, babes, keep it strong :-).

• THE Jeff Vader? ... Can I have your autograph?

• Guys, I think it's nice that everybody is sticking up for Katie, but enough with the threats of violence and name-calling towards the boys. I'm almost anticipating a South Park episode in which the parents react to kids getting bullied by bullying kids themselves.

• You mean Jeff Vader?

• Darth Vader should force those little boys to carry around pink water bottles...let them have a taste of what it's like to be on the receiving end of teasing based on sexual stereotyping.

• Sorry, but that's lame. You should treat everybody nice, until they give you cause otherwise. You do women no favours by putting them on a pedestal.

• What I find troubling is the amount of vitriol and even downright violence being directed towards six and seven year old boys on this thread. It doesn't help Katie at all to suggest criminal assault on kids. I see this as a kid being bullied, period, regardless of gender. But I've always felt that male reaction to such things often falls under misplaced chivalry. When I was young, I was told two things: "treat boys and girls the same," and "don't hit girls." It should have been "don't hit anybody."

• Some people aren't getting the idea of "anti-bullying" right....

• Yeah, that's just messed up.

• I can't post on there because I'm not in the US, so I will say to Katie that when I was a boy the first Star Wars figure I wanted was Princess Leia because I had a crush on her. I got teased for that. So stay strong.

• I can't post on there because I'm not in the US, so I will say to Katie that when I was a boy the first Star Wars figure I wanted was Princess Leia because I had a crush on her. I got teased for that. So stay strong.

• Stay tuff kiddo.

• Dear Katie, You like whatever you like, and never mind the haters. My daughters are your age, one in first and one in third grade, and they like Star Wars, Legos, Tron, Battlestar Galactica, GI Joe, Iron Man, X Men, comic books and other great geek stuff. I tell them "Be who you want to be, don't become what someone else thinks you should be." Big props to you. The road to being your own person can sometimes be hard, but in the end you'll be happier, and stronger for it. Best of luck!

• My name is Kalyn, and this is me(http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2092340&id=1121035029&saved). I'm 20, and I am a Star Wars fanatic. I go to conventions, I dress up, and I have more memorabilia than most people consider normal. These boys are probably just jealous that they don't have the same awesome water bottle! Next time they say that Star Wars is for boys, say, "Your lack of faith is disturbing."

• Katie, nerd girls are awesome, and being a nerd girl myself, I can say that so is Star Wars. Do not let those boys make you feel bad about liking Star Wars, they are just jealous that you have all the cool stuff and they don't.

• I was a young boy once and once thing I can say is that: Picking on boys is just picking on boys, picking on girls on the other hand is an admiration and wanting that eventually will translate to a desire of sorts.

• Well Katie, As a young girl with an older brother i played with Star Wars, GI Joe and his army action figures. My mom would watch Star Wars with us all the time and she even has the Light Saber. Star Wars is awesome no matter if your a girl or boy. Don't change your water bottle because of some silly boys, cause they are not worthy of hanging out with you anyway. Be positive and !!!May the Force Be With You!!!

• I spent too much of my youth dumbing down my vocabulary and looking bored. Wasted time. Now I let my inner nerd flag fly!

• Hey Katie, My name is Katie too!l Star Wars came out when I was little and my brother got all the cool toys. and he thought I could only be Princess Leia, luckily I was bigger so I got to play with which ever one I wanted to! Han Solo was my favorite! You take your Star Wars water bottle to school and be proud! Love, Katie

• Personally I think those children who are the bully's should get a serious talk from their parents. No one deserves this kind of abuse. NO ONE. Unless you like Glee. Then it's okay. Jk. Maybe.

• I got her back! Poor Kaitie... I had the same trouble with Transformers back in my grade school days! I'm all for her!

• Katie, The secret is to embrace your inner "nerd". When you grow up, you'll make more money and be far smarter than those boys; who will probably grow up to be plumbers or construction workers. No matter what they say, just picture them with their pants hanging half off their behinds and smile. Hang in there kid, it might take a while, but one day they'll wish they had been nerds too!

• Use your Star Wars water bottle and tell them to "bugger off." Even Grandmothers like Star Wars water bottles!

• I'm Chandra and my 12 year old cousin Emma is right beside me. She wants to tell Katie that "I believe that nerd girls ROCK." And "you should not listen to those people that tease you." I have to agree. Nerd girls are rare, beautiful, and awesome. Emma points out that there are probably plenty of other kids at your school who love Star Wars, and you should find them and spend your time with them. PS Star Wars is awesome too! Emma and Chandra

• I remember when girls used to make fun of me for liking Powerpuff Girls....

• We could see if Chad Vader is available...

• Katie! My name is Katie too! I have loved Star Wars and Back to the Future since before I can remember:) My friends used to make fun of me for liking it so I was embarrassed about it. But as I grew up I realized that there are a million other people who love it just as much as I do! Turn that embarrassment around and be proud of yourself for being who you are. I'll bet you will notice that a lot of people who are a lot cooler than those dumb boys will love your cool star wars water bottle!!!

• Don't worry, some day those boys will be your obedient minions. See nerd commandment 3. http://www.toplessrobot.com/2010/01/the_20_nerd_commandments.php

• Dear Katie, I don't know if you'll ever see this, but I just wanted to let you know that you are easily the coolest little nerdling I've come across in quite some time, and that I'm terribly sorry that those boys in your class were so cruel to you. When I was your age, I got teased all the time for liking Batman and reading Calvin and Hobbes comic books during recess. It was really hard, and I felt very lonely for a long time. Just like you, I thought that if I stopped bringing my comic books to school and started doing girly stuff, the teasing would stop, and people would think I was "normal". But it didn't, and I quickly realized why - being teased hurt, but trying to be somebody that I wasn't hurt a billion times more. Then something really cool happened - I got invited to another girl's birthday party at a movie theater, where they were showing a copy of Empire Strikes Back. She was a huge Star Wars fan, and even though I wasn't, seeing her and the other girls get so happy and excited about the movie, and more importantly, not caring who saw them was absolutely amazing to me. After the movie, we all ran out of the theater and started talking about our favorite characters and scenes, while pretending we were little Han Solos, Jedi Masters, and Storm Troopers. I'm 23 years old now, and I lost touch with those girls a long time ago. But I just wanted to let you know that even though those boys teased you for liking Star Wars, don't you EVER change who you are just to please them, or anyone else for that matter. Liking Star Wars is a part of what makes you who you are, just like liking Batman and reading comics is a part of what makes me who I am. But if you ever feel sad or alone, just think about all the wonderful people across the USA and even in other countries that support you and think you're a superstar. We're kinda like the Force - you may not be able see us, but we will ALWAYS be with you. Stay strong and awesome, sweetie. :)

• ... I was one of the girls that chopped off all her Barbie hair but I think I'd still buy Robobarbie today in about thirty seconds.

• Nerds may not rule the world (yet), but we just might save it. Katie, I had similar stuff happen when I was a kid. I liked rocks, and bugs, and climbing trees. I didn't like cabbage patch dolls, and pink, and dresses. The boys totally gave me a hard time, and sometimes the girls weren't too nice either, but I stuck to who I was Katie. I liked science and math and I didn't think it mattered that other people liked other things. Now I do research about the environment and how people can do things to make our world cleaner and healthier. The person you are and the things you like don't need to be changed; one day, YOU just might save the world a little bit too.

• Don't EVER let ANY one tell you "it's only for boys"!! I'm a 41 yr old hot girl (so my guy friends tell me) and I do all kinds of "boy" things, and the boys just think I'm even hotter because of it!! I work on old cars, I climb trees (even at my mature age), I handle big, scary dogs for a living! My favorite toys when I was a kid were my Barbies and my Tonka trucks!! You can be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do, whether you're a boy or a girl! There's no such thing as "only for boys" or "only for girls". And Star Wars ROCKS!! :)

• I can not agree more. Kids are all about establishing hierarchy and forming groups. Kisd can be REALLY cruel. However, I don't recall much cross-gender bullying in my days. Usually guys picked on smaller or awkward guys and girls picked on other girls well...for pretty much anything.

• I like to see news with a happy ending for a change. Katie is quite the little celebrity now! Even though I am a guy, I left a message of encouragement for her. She is a very brave and sweet young lady.

• NEVER BREAK NERD COMMANDMENT #3

• Katie, as representatives of a small segment of the geek girl community, we want to make sure you know that not only is liking Star Wars not nerdy...It makes you completely cooler than everyone else. I have liked Star Wars since I was 6 years old when I went to see Return of the Jedi in the movie theater. Yes I am old. But the point is, you have lots of Star Wars loving, nerd girls on your side. It is something to be proud of. Rock On!!

• I left my message on the site. Thanks for linking, Rob. Maybe the mom should take her to the next Star Wars Celebration. Plenty of girls there, and she can see none of them get made fun of.

• Good work Mr. Robot.

• Good work, Mr. Robot. Hats off to you.

• Missy, when I was a little girl, all of my favourite things were things that only boys were "supposed to like" - Ninja Turtles, Dino Riders (anything with dinosaurs in it actually!), He-Man, Jurassic Park... Don't ever let anyone make you feel bad for liking what you like. There are some people out there who will always be jerks, but you know what? They don't matter, and you wouldn't want people like them as friends anyway. You are TEN MILLION times cooler than they will ever be, because you're brave enough to be yourself, and like what you like, without worrying about what other people think. Those boys aren't as brave as you and they're just jealous because they're too scared to like anything that the rest of their friends don't agree is "cool". Star Wars isn't just for boys, it's for everybody! You're allowed to like whatever you like, and you are one really cool kid - I wish I'd been as brave as you when I was a little girl (I used to get made fun of too) - you just ignore them and keep doing whatever you want to do. Just remember sweetheart, they might make fun of you now, but in a few years, they'll be asking you to go out with them - and you'll remember how mean they were to you and say NO WAY. Then they'll wish they'd been more mature when you're dating a boy who thinks you're the coolest girl ever for liking Star Wars!

• I wrote a comment. Thanks, TR!

• The ironic thing is that when these boys grow older and become fullfledged nerds themselves they'll be wishing for a nerdy girl to talk geek to them and play vidya games with. My nerd friends would always say how they want a girlfriend like me that can relate to them. But for now the little girl can just brush it off as them having cooties.

• I too am a huge science nerd! I say before launching into unscientific guesswork. I agree that there is some part of the hate coming on science nerders in particular does come from being jealous. But I suspect most of it just comes from science education in most public schools in the US, and a depressingly growing segment of universities when it comes to people with non-science majors, just plain sucking. We've trained ourselves to think in a way that doesn't come naturally to people. They haven't. And they're pissed off at the frequent evidence that we have a better understanding of the nature of reality than they do.

• Recently a similar thing has happened to my daughter. One of the boys started to say that what she liked was for babies. Unfortunately my daughter is in a conflict with herself. I can tell she still loves it but she does everything she can to distance herself from it. I want to slap the boys parents and the school for not watching and stopping this stupid intimidation.(and still may) I tried to tell her that she should enjoy what she likes and not worry about what others say. Shes a little young but I plan to show her this and the support of many of us who have learned not to give away what we love just because someone doesn't like it.

• One thing I've learned throughout my 24 years of being on this earth is never let anyone take away from you the pleasure you have for the things that you love. I'm a science nerd. I love research. People occasionally make fun of me for it, but most respect me for the passion that I show towards science. And the older you get, the more you will notice that most people who ridicule us nerds are only jealous that they can't be themselves as easily as we nerds can. Be proud of your star wars water bottle. Star wars was one of the best book and movie series ever made.

• 10 years from now those same little jerks will be complaining that they can't find a girl who's into the same things they are. Hang in there nerdy girls. Someday the world will appreciate you for the awesomeness that you really are.

• I had someone in highschool try to beat me up for wearing a t-shirt with the old star wars poster graphics silk-screened on it. Well, he tried, albeit poorly. You go nerd girl. All power to you!

• The one universal truth is that all video games that teach spelling are lame. We who can't spell for shit are offering proof of our dedication with every post!

• My 13 year old girl *loves* Star Wars and plays Call of Duty on a daily basis. She's loved science fiction and first person shooter games since she was 8 years old. She proudly lets others know this. She said she'd be proud to be a friend of Katie and wanted me to relay to this sweet girl that she's not alone!

• I know a child's plight is bad if it holds me back from the million off color jokes I could continue on with from here....

• I think this is probably why it's a good thing I've mostly decided to never have kids. If they were gay, queer of any kind, a crossdresser, what have you, I'd support them every second of the say. But the idea of looking into my child's eyes and hearing "Mom, Dad....I'm not a geek. I didn't kill mind flayers with these dice, I used them to play craps with the guys on the football team between bro fist bumps"? I raises a NO SON OF MINE speech in me that I never knew could exist.

• My daughter's eight and does a great General Grievous impression. She's going to leave a message for her just as soon as the chicagonow account confirmation email comes through...

• Hasbro better pony up and deliver an AT-AT and a Falcon to Katie's house. Free swag is the sweetest revenge.

• Whole household of gamer geeks and nerds here in Jefferson Park. Give us a day and we could round up a whole crew. :)

• I left a message on the site. And you know what, coming here, and reading what everyone has said, just makes me realize how great the nerd community can be.. When I was in grade 1 or 2, I was a huge military nerd, not the wearing cammo all day long, but knowing all the names of the SS divisions, the Wehrmact divisions, their generals, equipment and complement structure, as I had a huge interest in it. At that age, you can't be called a fascist for that level of interest. My first book report that I recall, was on the SAS response to the Libyan Embassy siege. To this day, I am still a nerd, albeit on the darkside.. you know, hot girlfriend, working out and athletic with a good dose of scoliosis, replaced hip, missing duodenum and glasses thrown in to boot. This is what makes the nerd/geek community awesome, that no matter what we look like, or how we got there, we can put away the who shot first argument to stick up for the younger members in the community. And Scooter.. keep up the rants, Kromm would be proud.. and then beat you for no apparent reason, because that is who he is.

• Please have her look here!! I'm a proud GIRL member of the 501st. Our page on Facebook is doing a girls month! http://www.facebook.com/The501stLegion

• It makes me so happy that things worked out for Katie. I still posted on her page, but I got to say good job my fellow nerdlings! It really makes me proud that when one of us gets put down that the rest of us are there to fight back, both boys and girls. Despite being a school teacher and having to constantly fight bullying, I SERIOUSLY want to give those little brats who started this a wedgie....

• Katie, as a young nerd who got made fun of all through elementary and middle school, I will say it gets better. Don't ever change who you are. In high school I found friends who respected me for who I am and in college, that continued. I still have Star Wars memorabilia, supplemented with Star Trek paraphernalia that I've acquired throughout the years, proudly displayed in my room. I'm in medical school and in two more years I'll be a doctor. I have more friends than I can hope to count. Of the kids who used to make fun of me, a third of them never went to college and another third ended up in mediocre careers with mediocre degrees and mediocre grades, and are succumbing to alcoholism and anguish. And the final third finally came around to respect me, accept me for who I am, and regretful for how they treated me in school, are now my friends. Don't ever change who you are or try to conform to the wishes of lesser jerks who think they know better. You are your own person, and you should be proud of what you like. May the Force be with You.

• That just bought pure joy and happiness, and lots of cackling into my day.. thank you.

• I would personally hire a Darth Vader to show up at lunch and comment on how "Impressive. Most impressive." her cup is. Then comment about how should anyone give her trouble, to find him. Sucks when someone is genuinely cool and is then ridiculed for the qualities that make them so.

• Well said, Boredlizzie. The young Padawan has more friends than she knows.

• I'd like to leave a message but I don't want to sign up for whatever blog that is. Katie should know that it's not her fault, it's the bullies who are in the wrong. When you are little, you get made fun of for ANYTHING, be it your height, weight, color, name or what's on your lunchbox that day. I got made fun of for wearing big t-shirts with superheroes and music logos on them. I got called some very nasty names for years. I cried a lot, too, and even tried to change so that people would not make fun of me. You know what? It didn't help. I wore girly clothes and I was still very unhappy. I'm sure Katie's got friends who think she's pretty cool, and we all think she's pretty cool. She'll still have friends long after the bullies have gone away, and that's what matters.

• I support Katie wholeheartedly and her love of Star Wars, but please God I hope she doesn't read Topless Robot

• Hey Katie, My name is Katie too and I too was picked on for liking things that people decided only boys should like. I liked Transformers, Star Wars, Buck Rogers, Monty Python and a bunch of other cool stuff. My own brothers picked on me and my sister, but we liked what we liked and you know what?... if you don't let them get to you, eventually they give up. It's that they got you to react that they wanted. Some of them probably even think it's cool you like Star Wars, but are too silly to say anything. This doesn't mean that if you decide to like pink stuff or girls stuff that that's giving up. It also doesn't mean that you can't like more stereotypical feminine stuff AND other stuff at the same time. I do! I like frilly stuff AND Star Trek! But do it be because you WANT to do that, not because you were intimidated by anyone. When you feel down, remember the thousands of other girls just like you out there. With admiration, Katie (aka KD)

• Must...resist....Hit-Girl reference..... Seriously, Katie, don't listen to those little pricks. I guarantee you will lead a far happier life than any given one of them. What they think doesn't matter. Let your geek flag fly, don't be ashamed, and don't ever let anyone tell you you can't like or be something. Always remember that and may the Force be with you.

• Is it wrong that I'm picturing the Little Rock Nine being followed around by Stormtroopers and laughing hysterically?

• In my classroom I make it cool to be a nerd or a geek. Geeks will rule the world! The kids know it is cool to be smart, no matter what their ability, they all have something to share. It is not about the grade, it is about having a passion to learn. I love the quirkiness and my students love that we celebrate it, even the so-called "cool kids" love it! Let's celebrate the differences!

• I resemble that remark! ;)

• Guys, I know obviously all of you support Katie. But maybe we can do something to show it. Tonight when I go out in a bit, I plan on wearing a Star Wars shirt I bought a few weeks back. Hadn't worn it, because my lame non geek friends would just pick on me. But reading Katie's story, I went and posted on her mom's blog. And said I would wear it in support of her tonight. I've been inspired to wear it proudly. And who cares what anyone says. Maybe some of you fellow geeks can do the same this weekend. And someone can find a place where we can put up pics of everyone sporting some Star Wars love for Katie. Thoughts? Anyone down for doing this?

• Really? What city? I'm in Waukegan, up in Lake County.

• Tell her to take the pink one to school, and then BEAT THE BOYS REPEATEDLY WITH IT TILL IT IS FILLED WITH THEIR SALTY RED BLOOD!!!! Then she should ask them if they would rather she bring the Star Wars one instead of doing it again tomorrow.

• Hey guys, I know some of you want your messages posted on her blog. I made a username to use there and if anyone has a message they'd like put on there let me know. I know Scotter Atreides is already putting some up. I'd like to help. So little Katie knows just how many geek supporters she has.

• I am a senior at University and last year I wrote a 15 page paper on Star Wars. Those boys need to realize that nothing is only just for boys or girls.

• I grew up on the North Shore, homes. Chicago is the greatest city in America. I so want to move back.

• I started crying when I wrote my message to her ^^; I was picked on so bad in middle school for being a nerd, and I was so happy to get to high school and find out I could be accepted for being the same thing. But I remember being picked on so bad before then, it still gets this reaction out of me, even after this long. I cried more when I saw her smiling picture. Thing is, I'm not that much of a crier! I hope that she never gives up believing what she likes, and that these messages really do help her. I wish support had been around like this when I was growing up, but thankfully I had a mom who was as cool as Katie's, and who gave me the confidence to be myself, and to not listen to what other people said. Thanks for letting us know about this, Rob. I've been forwarding it anyone I could all day, telling them to leave messages for the little girl. :)

• First of all Katie is a very adorable young lady and any young man who would willingly tease her about her Star Wars water bottle is just wrong! Sometimes kids are mean... without reason or provocation. So all I have to say to Katie is this... Sweetie, wear your Star Wars backpack proudly! Never you mind about what the boys say, they're probably just jealous that they don't have a cool back pack like you! :) If they say mean things... just don't pay attention. I know it's easier said than done but always remember this... the ones that truly love and care about you would never deliberately hurt your feelings and those who are mean to you... don't deserve your time. Keep the faith my sister nerds! ^_^

• boys are stupid we should throw rocks at them.... lol

• School is far different than it was when we were kids. If she's in first grade chances are she can read. All the big words in teh comments? No. But I'll bet she can get the gist of it all.

• Sexist little first grade turds! This pisses me off. I'm a nerd girl myself, I'm not that into Star Wars, but I AM into a lot of things. (I'd list them, but it'd take too long...) I'm 13 (Never told you THAT), and the "normal" boys at my school make fun of me, because... Well, might just be because I'm quite bitter for my age, but I think my nerdiness contributes to it, as well. Not to mention the little Bible-thumper girls think I'm insane because I'm not very religious... (according to one of my friends' friends, I'm agnostic... I might be, but I'm not telling my parents). Kid, you better find out how to deal with them... elbowing them in the stomach does a lot. Gets the teacher to put you in a different part of the class room. so does calling them a dick.

• RESPECT THE NERD GIRL! TAME THE BULLIES!

• My nerd girl daughter, who I named "Mara Jade" in a master stroke of nerdery back in 1997 will be writing a comment of support for this nerd girl tonight. At 13, she's embraced her nerdiness wholeheartedly. As I type this, I'm looking at a sweet comic she drew starring Leia blasting a Stormtroomer that hangs by my computer here at work. It makes this old nerd proud.

• You have a valid point, but there was just an article a few weeks ago over Halloween about a young boy who wanted to dress as Daphne from Scooby Doo that had pretty much the same outcry from the nerd community. Most of the replys were along the lines of "let kids love what they love! who gives a crap as long as it's not hurting anyone"

• Dear lord I wish I had this much support Katie's getting growing up as a nerd girl. Maybe I wouldn't have turned my back on my roots from 6th-8th grade only to get to high school and realize people are stupid and get right back into my pop culture, movies, and comic book loving ways. I'm proud of my nerdiness now, damn proud, but it wasn't easy to get there. Kids are cruel and like the article says, they point out differences to make themselves feel better. It's not until you get a little older that you realize you're not alone in what you love. That there are people out there who will be your friend and love and care about you because of those "differences" (be they because you're a nerd or wear glasses or are adopted or whatever). It's a hard road for any gender and for any kind of outsider but it's well worth it if you can tough it out. It makes you a much better person than those silly boys that pick on you.

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