How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The neighborhood surrounding the Professor's store was made up of inexpensive apartment houses, little family-owned shops, and small, aging homes. The people of the area, many of whom had some connection with the university, could trace their ancestors to every continent, and just about every country in the world. (1.4)
Because Melanie, April, and all the other kids live in a college town, they are a part of a close-knit and diverse community. The entire neighborhood communicates with each other and helps to watch out for the kids. Plus, that rainbow of people all getting along could tell a lot of places in the world a thing or two about understanding in spite of difference.
Quote #2
Melanie was eleven years old and she had lived in the Casa Rosada since she was only seven. During that time, she'd welcomed a lot of new people to the apartment house. Apartment dwellers, particularly near a university, are apt to come and go. Melanie always looked forward to meeting new tenants, and today was going to be especially interesting. (3.1)
Melanie has lived in the Casa Rosada for so long that she's kind of an ambassador for new tenants—especially the kids. She thinks of it as her role to say hello and introduce kids to the neighborhood—and hopefully to become their friend, too.
Quote #3
But it was when Toby and Ken gave her a nickname that Melanie knew for sure that the worst was over. Toby Alvillar and Ken Kamata were two of the biggest wheels in class, and if you were really hopeless they simply didn't notice you—it was as if you didn't exist. (6.7)
When Toby and Ken give April a nickname, it's clear that she's now one of "them." She's a part of the school and neighborhood community, and the other kids accept her completely, even if she is a bit different.