How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"They're burrowing owls. I've been reading up on them," Roy said, "which reminds me - they probably aren't too crazy about hamburger meat. They eat mostly bugs and worms, according to the bird books." (14.105)
Believe it or not, it's possible to learn things outside of school. And in this situation, it's actually important information since Roy and Mullet Fingers want to take care of the owls.
Quote #5
"Maybe someday I'll go back to school," the boy went on, "but for now I'm 'bout as smart as I need to be. Maybe I can't do algebra or say "Nice poodle" in French or tell you who discovered Brazil, but I can make a fire with two dry sticks and a rock. I can climb a coconut palm and get me enough fresh milk to last a month-" (14.133).
For the record, "belle caniche" means "nice poodle" in French, Pedro Álvares Cabral discovered Brazil and Shmoop has got you covered on algebra. But Mullet Fingers makes a decent argument. He does have specialized knowledge without going through formal schooling. However, Roy will prove how a good education goes a long way.
Quote #6
"So that's a mullet," Roy said.
"Yep." The boy smiled proudly. "That's how come I got the nickname."
"Exactly how'd you do that? What's the trick?"
"Practice," the boy replied. "Trust me, it beats homework." (14.184-187)
But we bet that Mullet Fingers spent more time practicing to catch mullets than Roy did doing his homework. Both activities require a certain amount of discipline and practice.