How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Stanza)
Quote #7
The little ones drank themselves into white / mustaches, / they ate / and ate, / until pushing back from their desks, / their stomachs round, / they swore they'd never eat again. (62.2)
For these kids, having a real meal is like hitting the jackpot. The government's provisions of canned meat, rice, and potatoes, plus local donations of bread and milk, might seem pretty meager, but the children's excitement demonstrates what a delicacy these foods are for them.
Quote #8
"I'm on the look for a job," the man said. / "The dust blew so mean last night / I thought to shelter my family here awhile." / The two little kids turned their big eyes / from Miss Freeland / back to their father. / "I can't have my wife sleeping in the cold truck, / not now. Not with the baby coming so soon." / Miss Freeland said they could stay / as long as they wanted. (63.15-18)
What the Williams family does is technically illegal and Miss Freeland has the right to bring in the sheriff, but instead she chooses to see moving into her classroom as an act of desperation, and not only allows them to stay, but shows them kindness.
Quote #9
These kids, / Sheriff Robertson said, / ought to have something sweet to / wash down their dusty milk. / And so we did. (67.4)
The thousand pounds of sugar Sheriff Robertson finds in the still and his decision to have Miss Freeland bake up a storm for the kids is another example of bad circumstances resulting in something good. The still, like the rabbit battles, is an unfortunate byproduct of the Dust Bowl's impoverished circumstances. Nonetheless, people in need receive food and treats as a result, transforming negative actions into positive outcomes.