How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Go ahead and tell the principal," I said. "See if I care."
"Maybe you don't," he said, "but I do. […] I don't want to see a boy like you get into trouble, and that's where you're headed." (40.6-7, 9)
Mr. Fridley, Leigh's other mentor, calls it like he sees it. He genuinely cares about the kids and wants to see them succeed in every way. In this part of the story, he's helping Leigh learn to make mature decisions. Thinking about the future consequences of your actions is big-time mature.
Quote #8
When I asked if I had to write and thank Dad, Mom gave me a funny look and said, "That's up to you." (43.7)
Up to this point, Mom has told Leigh what to do: answer Mr. Henshaw's questions, clean the house, and don't hang out at the gas station. She's tried to explain things about his dad and mediate everything, but this time she doesn't. She stands back and doesn't tell Leigh what to do, instead giving him space to make his own decision about how to respond to his dad.
Quote #9
Then Dad surprised me. He asked, "Do you ever miss your old Dad?"
I had to think a minute. I missed him all right, but I couldn't seem to get the words out. My silence must have bothered him because he asked, "Are you still there?"
"Sure, Dad, I miss you," I told him. It was true, but not as true as it had been a couple of months ago. I still wanted him to pull up in front of the house in his big rig, but now I knew I couldn't count on it. (52.7-9)
This passage is jam packed with signs of Leigh's maturity. First, he's able to reflect on his own feeling of surprise. Then, he reflects on his behavior: he can't get the words out. Next, he's able to guess what Dad must be feeling—he's bothered that Leigh didn't answer him. Finally, we see that Leigh has given up his childish, wishful hoping; now, he's accepting the reality about Dad. And to top it off, he's writing this dialogue in his diary and including all the details and reflections. It adds up to a very interesting and emotional part of the story.