Quote 1
"I used to think everyone saw these colors; then in third grade I figured out it was just me." (4.27)
When she's describing her abilities to her parents, Mia is sure to recall what happened back in third grade. That was a traumatic time for her, and it also helped her realize that she sees a version of reality that other people aren't aware of. It's not to say she's wrong; just different.
Quote 2
"Um, well, I painted the slave ship lost at sea to show that the souls of some of the Ibo are still not at rest." I glance at Roger, who motions with his hand for me to say more. "And, uh, I used watercolor paint because it can wash away easily, just like the memory of the Ibo revolt unless we keep studying it." (12.49)
For her history project, Mia paints the Ibo people choosing to die in the water rather than live as slaves. She's able to capture the turmoil of the event in her painting. In fact, she specifically chose watercolors to show the way people fade into history over time. Yep, it just got real.
"I don't really feel up to going," I tell her.
"We're all going," my mother says firmly. "It will be good for us to do something as a family again." (15.227-228)
When her mom suggests going to the neighbors' house for a party, Mia tries to get out of it—she's not feeling very festive. It turns out that she doesn't have a choice, though, since it's a family thing. We can tell her mom throws that around to guilt Mia into going, but also to show her that it's essential for families to spend time together, especially when grieving.