Why do they have to be so mean?

My nephew, who has always loved school, started 6th grade yesterday.   Instead of having a great first day, he broke down last night about how mean the kids were.   All of his friend ignored him.  He was teased for wearing his cowboy boots.  Boots he saved his money to buy and loves.  And this in a town surrounded by farms, and where the major summer event is the rodeo and county fair.  He was told he was weird. This is a big deal for a kid, especially on the first day of school.

My heart aches for this boy who is such a loving kid.  He would never say or do anything to hurt another person.  I try not to have favorites but something about him reaches out to me more so than some of my other nephews. 

This boy loves animals.  He studies them and wants to have a farm when he grows up.  When CAL Ranch or IFA start selling chicks each year, he begs to go to the store to watch and hold the small birds.  For years he has wanted a Russian Tortoise.  Like good parents, my brother and his wife waited to awhile to see if his interest in the Russian Tortoise would wane.  It hasn't.  In preparation for getting a tortoise, he researched their habits, diet, and habitat needs.  This summer he finally received his Russian Tortoise, "Otis".  His mom is growing dandelions in her windowsills to feed Otis and my nephew can tell you everything you ever wanted to know and more about his tortoise. 

Everything about this kid screams kindness and goodness so I don't understand why kids have to be so mean.  I pray that he finds a couple of good friends who can accept and appreciate everything good about him.  And I pray that kids all over can learn to be kinder to each other.