How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"I wish I could go to school," said Sal.
"You will," said Papa. "Soon enough."
"I wish I could go now," said Sal.
"I wish you could go for me," said Billy. (1.2.9-12)
When it comes to growing up, sometimes Billy would rather stay put. But Sal is ready to go full force into elementary school. Right away, it's obvious that growing up might seem super fun or super scary, depending on who you ask. But we've got a feeling Billy might have a different attitude by the end of this little journey of his.
Quote #2
Lately Billy had considered calling Papa "Dad" in public. He wondered if the word Papa sounded babyish. It was one thing for Ned to use it for fun, but another thing for Billy to use it for real. (1.2.19)
Billy is only in second grade but he's already thinking about looking older—or at least not looking too young and "babyish." And he figures that calling his dad "Papa" is a sure fire way to look like a little kid instead of the strong second-grader he wants to be. Keep an eye out for other places where Billy's fear of looking "babyish" creeps up.
Quote #3
Everything about this girl made it seem to Billy that she should be, at least, a third grader. She talked like an adult. She walked like an adult. And she wore her sweater tied around her waist, which for some reason seemed very adult. (1.3.9)
Billy's convinced of one simple fact: Emma Sparks is like an adult in miniature. And he's got a pretty specific definition of what it means to be an adult—for Billy, it's all about the walk, the talk, and the clothes. According to our main man, then, maturity might not be about birthdays but about attitude. And boy does that Emma girl have some attitude.