I don’t remember where it’s confirmed Kara likes to read, but I incorporated into my middle school headcanon of her. Honestly I feel she and Ace have a lot in common in terms of reinventing themselves in high school to be more accepted by others, because they tie their worth to it.
Kara put everything into her studies as a preteen and it still wasn’t enough. Max, whom she meets in high school, represents desirability and validity she couldn’t quite grasp when she was younger. Around him, she internalizes the idea that reinventing herself into a version that replicates what she sees (and possibly envies) in Max.
Obviously Ace didn’t become this super macho jock or anything (he probably could if he wanted to lol) But he also becomes more cut throat, self serving and savvy.
Their reinventions do work for them, but they’re hollowed out as a result.