Hoot Education / Cunning and Cleverness Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Trace Middle School didn't have the world's strictest dress code, but Roy was pretty sure that some sort of footwear was required. The boy might be carrying sneakers in his backpack, if only he'd be wearing a backpack. No shoes, no backpack, no books - strange, indeed, on a school day. (1.5)

Roy is quick enough to realize that something is wrong with this picture. Maybe if he saw the running boy on the weekend, he'd think nothing of it. But Roy's intuition is telling him that this kid has no intention of going to school.

Quote #2

Mullet Fingers smiled knowingly. "They couldn't hurt a flea, them snakes. I taped their mouths shut."

"I'm so sure," Roy said.

"Plus I glued sparkles on the tails," the boy added, "so they'd be easy to spot." (10.118-120).

We gotta hand it to Mullet Fingers. Sparkles on their tails? Genius. We don't think they'd teach that in school.

Quote #3

Dana's father took out his wallet. "All right, young man, no more kidding around. How much do I owe you?"

"For what?"

"For my son's homework." Mr. Matherson held up a five-dollar bill. "The usual?" (14.59-61)

Paying tuition for education is one thing, but paying a kid to do your son's homework is a completely separate issue. Mr. Matherson isn't helping Dana by encouraging this type of arrangement.