How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
There had, truthfully, been a lot of incidents with humans (some involving BB guns, some not), and all of them had been violent, terrifying, and soul-destroying. But this was a new life! And he was a changed squirrel. He felt spectacular. Strong, smart, capable—and also: hungry. (9.12)
Even going along with Flora is an act of courage for Ulysses. Why? It turns out humans aren't the nicest to our squirrel friends, so the fact that Ulysses trusts Flora enough to go home with her shows us his bravery.
Quote #2
"As Incandesto," she said, "Alfred sheds light into the darkest corners of the universe. He can fly. Also, he visits the elderly. And that's what a superhero is. And I think you might be one, too. At least, I think you have powers. So far, all we know about you is that you're really strong." (11.29)
Flora uses Incandesto as a lesson on courage. She thinks Slipper is strong and brave because of all the tough acts that he accomplishes in the comics, and even though Ulysses hasn't done any crime-fighting at this point, he still lifted a huge vacuum cleaner, so that's strong too.
Quote #3
Flora felt brave and capable, standing there on the landing with her squirrel on her shoulder. (22.35)
Ulysses gives Flora courage to defend herself. We notice that with Ulysses by her side (or in her pocket, more accurately), she is empowered and much stronger than the girl holed up in her room staring at comics all day.
Quote #4
Besides, the squirrel was hungry, and he would need to be strong for the battle ahead. (26.35)
Flora is thinking physically strong, but Ulysses has to pump those mental muscles, too. Ulysses might be a flying superhero, but he still needs to be encouraged to act sometimes, so just like how Ulysses gives Flora the strength to stand up for herself, Flora gives her squirrel friend the motivation to kick some butt.
Quote #5
"Ulysses!" she shouted. "Ulysses! Remember who you are!" Remember who he was? Who was he? (30.24)
In the diner, Flora shouts out to Ulysses to get him to do something before the cook comes his way with the knife. Most superheroes we know don't need an invitation to act, but Ulysses shows off his survival chops by thinking outside of the box in a tricky situation.
Quote #6
Ulysses loosened his hold on her hair. He leaped again. This time he leaped with purpose and intent. He leaped with all his strength. (30.36)
As William points out, there is such a thing as a flying squirrel. Yet what makes Ulysses extra special here isn't the fact that he flies or jumps in Rita's hair—it's his attitude when he does these things. He's not backing down or running away; he's being brave.
Quote #7
Oh, yes. And. And Mr. Klaus bit my ear. And there was a lot of pain. And the squirrel rescued me. (44.29)
When Flora's dad reports the squirrel's bravery to stand up to an animal much larger than him, her mom can hardly believe it. Now even her ex-husband—who was supposed to kill the rodent—thinks the squirrel is brave.
Quote #8
Flora felt a wave of anger roll through her. "Quit speaking euphemistically," she said. "Quit calling it 'the squirrel situation.' You asked him to kill. You asked him to murder my squirrel!" (44.37)
Flora might not go flying through the air or face off a nasty cat, but she shows courage when she stands up to her mom. Finally she figures out that she can't go along with her mom's wordplay and mind games anymore—she's got to confront her mom, no matter what the cost.
Quote #9
She loved his happiness, his little head, his determined heart, his nutty breath. She loved how beautiful he looked when he flew. (56.18)
Determination and courage is something Flora loves about Ulysses, and we do, too. It's all the more awesome that such daring acts are coming from a tiny squirrel.
Quote #10
She stopped. She put the sack down on the ground. And then she opened it and shone a bright light on Ulysses. He clutched his poem to his chest. He stared into the light as bravely as he could. (60.3)
Ulysses doesn't back down with Flora's mom in the woods. His mad flying skills might save his life, but his tough attitude and bravery are what give him the guts to take off in the first place.