How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
The next morning was the first day without school. I was done with fifth grade forever. I'd planned on sleeping till noon to celebrate. But when it was still half dark my father shook my shoulder. School was over but that garden was just starting. (7.2)
Time is not on Virgil's side. All he wants is to spend the summer relaxing, but his dad and the new garden have a different plan. Sounds like Virgil won't be sleeping in for a while—sorry, buddy.
Quote #5
The minute it came up, it started to wilt. […] Then the heat came. The leaves shriveled up. Some turned yellow. That lettuce was dying.
[…] My father asked all his passengers what to do. His cab was like a library for him. Finally, one of 'em told him that spring or fall was the time to grow lettuce, that the summer was too hot for it. (7.16-17)
Summer isn't a friend to Virgil or to lettuce. Try as he might, Virgil can't beat summer's heat and its ability to make lettuce wilt. So Kim's beans need the heat, but Virgil's lettuce can't stand it. Can't a kid catch a break around here, huh?
Quote #6
It was already the middle of summer, so she had us plant radishes since they grow fast. […]
After the radishes came squash, then Swiss chard, which nobody knew how to eat. I was in my seventh month. (11.4-5)
When Maricela is working in the garden, her group leader has them growing plants that work with the seasons. But time isn't just important for Maricela's plants. It's also important for her body. Maybe humans aren't so distant from nature, after all.