There are many subplots running through Second Star to the Right, but none so important or integral to the story line as Mrs. Hiller's cousin Margolee choosing to die with her mother and what this means to Leslie.

Many of Mrs. Hiller's family suffered horrible conditions in concentration camps, and many died. Mrs. Hiller, who herself was in a concentration camp, is scarred from this period, and is not capable of reaching out to Leslie in an unselfish manner. She will not let Leslie own anything that is made in Germany, which is why Leslie hides the rapidograph pen Cavett gives to her. Leslie also hides from her mother the fact that she feels flattered when the girls at school tell her "you really don't look Jewish." Leslie, who tells her mother everything, is now in conflict with herself. She feels guilty because she believes she...