You know, what makes this so great is these are kids who will be GS10's classmates for the next 2-7 years; one girl will likely return to her home country, Finland in a couple years.  Like GS10, I can see where they might not have fit in with the rest of their classmates.  But as a group, they are so full of energy, bright & funny.  I doubt they'll be picked on in middle school since they won't be singled out as much.  I can see this group being prominent among the academic achievers in high school.
GS10 & I are much alike, the biggest difference is I'm an extreme introvert, he's an extreme extrovert.  It's been a challenge to fill those needs for him.