How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Well, my mother's parents, who live in Ohio, told her they didn't want a Jewish son-in-law. If she wanted to ruin her life that was her business. But they would never accept my father for her husband." (5.66)
Margaret doesn't seem to lose much sleep over this, but we imagine it's got to be difficult to know that you have grandparents somewhere out there who have chosen not to know you because they don't approve of your dad. Do you think this impacts how Margaret feels about family in general?
Quote #5
"This little girl is traveling alone. Please keep an eye on her. It's her first trip."
"Don't worry, lady," the bus driver told my mother. Then my mother waved to me. I made a face at her and looked the other way. (8.8-9)
Margaret's only eleven going on twelve, remember. It's easy to forget Margaret's actual age because she's so focused on growing up, but here Margaret's mom helps us remember that Margaret is still really young and still needs her family, annoying though they may be sometimes.
Quote #6
I was glad my mother wasn't a chaperone. It's bad enough trying to act natural at a dance, but when your mother's there it's impossible. I know because Mrs. Wheeler was a chaperone and Nancy was a wreck. The chaperones were dressed funny, like farmers or something. I mean, Nancy's mother wore dungarees, a plaid shirt and a big straw hat. I didn't blame Nancy for pretending not to know her. (10.20)
There are plenty of times when Nancy makes us cringe, but in this moment, we cringe on Nancy's behalf. Nobody wants their mom hanging around at their school dance dressed up as a farmer.