Outcast is the 41st book in the Sweet Valley High series. This story picks up on the death of Regina Morrow from the previous book, On the Edge.
Molly Hecht is having a very rough time of it at SVH, since Regina's death. Pretty much everyone in the school has ostracized her and her friends, most notable among them, those who knew and loved Regina, namely Elizabeth; Bruce Patman and pretty much the entire school. Her parents have grounded her indefinitely for throwing the party that killed Regina(despite her maintaining her innocence). Her father refuses to let her live with him in San Francisco, and tells her she has to take the heat that is coming to her.
Also, Jessica has an idea to set up a memorial scholarship in Regina's name, under the auspices of Pi Beta Alpha, the sorority in which she is president of. Many people still blame Molly for Regina’s death. Elizabeth at one point did, as did Nicholas, but they slowly realize that Molly is not to blame. Mr. Collin’s helps some of them realize this. Nicholas came to this conclusion on his own, as he felt guilty after a graveside confrontation with Molly. Elizabeth feels guilt over how she judged Molly earlier. Elizabeth encourages Justin Belson, Molly’s ex-boyfriend, to help Molly. Elizabeth discovers that Molly has nearly emptied out her bank account. She had plans to leave Sweet Valley with Buzz Jackson, a notorious drug dealer, who had supplied the deadly cocaine that killed Regina. Molly feels that since nobody in school or at home would miss her, she figured on leaving town. However, Buzz, strung out on drugs, wanted a fight, and he attempted to fight Justin with a knife. With the aid of Elizabeth, who had called the police, Justin defeated the evil drug pusher, and he and Molly were reunited. In the end, Molly gets counseling with the help of Mr.Collins. The kids at school ease up on Molly. It is assumed that drugs are behind Molly. The main point the book is trying to convey is that it was Regina’s decision to take drugs, regardless of who pressured her.
Trivia[]
- Molly’s brother is not mentioned in this book.