How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Later, when the students were writing and drawing in their new journals, Emma said to Billy, "Maybe you should write that you're in second grade so you don't forget."
Billy took two red markers from the bin in the middle of the table. Using both hands, he held up the markers on his head as if they were the fiery horns of a devil. Then he stared at Emma with the meanest expression he could manage. (1.3.24-25)
Let's be real: Billy doesn't have a ton of compassion for Emma at the start of this book. And she feels the same about him. In fact, they seem to hate each other from the get-go. We've got a feeling it's not going to be an easy road for these two, and it'll take some major changes for them to start acting nicely. And maybe some good old-fashioned bribery.
Quote #2
His plan was to leave the silver items on Ms. Silver's desk. The gifts would be a way to show her that he was a nice person. He didn't think he could find the words to explain to her what he'd been doing with the red markers. He hoped this gesture would take care of the situation. (1.5.3)
When Billy is worried that he's accidentally insulted Ms. Silver during class, he needs to find a way to prove that he's a good dude. And stat. But even though he wants to earn his teacher's forgiveness, this guy is also looking for a way that doesn't require much in the talking department. So Billy's hoping that some silver doodads will show Ms. S that he's a nice bloke with a good ol' heart.
Quote #3
Ms. Silver took the items and held them in both hands the way she'd held the nest. "Are these for me?" she asked.
Billy inclined his head shyly and softened his voice to a whisper. "I'm really a nice person," he said. He couldn't look at her but he could feel her eyes upon him like a net. His heart was thrumming.
"I can tell you're a nice person," she said.
Billy sighed.
"A very nice person."
Billy felt great relief. (1.5.41-46)
Since Billy's been hoping that his silver gift would let Ms. Silver know he's a kind guy, you can bet he's happy when it works. Huzzah. Plus, Ms. S seems like a seriously compassionate lady—if she was insulted when Billy teased Emma, then she sure isn't holding it against Billy one bit.
Quote #4
"I was just giving you fairies," said Sal.
The urge to hit or pinch Sal was overwhelming. With laser eyes, Billy stared right through his sister. Underneath Sal's dense, dark curls clipped with a panda barrette and her lacy pastel nightgown, Billy saw the enemy. Why couldn't he have had a brother instead? (2.3.44-45)
Okay, so Billy isn't always the nicest. Sure, Sal really ticked him off when she put glitter on his diorama, but he feels angry as can be about it. Just check out the way he describes his little sis as "the enemy." Now that's pretty extreme. Looks like compassion has flown out the window for this big bro.
Quote #5
Billy didn't know what to say. He didn't want to hurt Papa's feelings. "Well—" he began. "I'm in second grade now. Nobody says Papa." His voice clouded. "It's babyish." (2.4.33)
Billy has a big task ahead of him when he asks his dad if he can start calling him by a new name. Did you notice Billy's tone in this quote? It looks like he knows that this convo has the potential to be a tough one. Gosh, it might even make his dad feel bad. But being compassionate doesn't always mean that Billy backs down from a challenge. Instead, our guy steps up to the plate, says his piece, and tries to be as nice as he can.
Quote #6
Billy took the pillowcase, filled it with clothes from Sal's dresser, and bound the open end with one of her stretchy hair bands, twisting it around and around. He'd left several inches of cloth at the end; he fanned it out. "This is the tail," he said.
Then he pushed and pulled and fluffed the stuffed pillowcase until it pleased him. "There," he said. "It's a whale. A big one."
"It is," said Sal. "Who is it?"
"This is—" Billy said, thinking fast. "This is—Coughdrop. He's the Drop Sisters' cousin. He usually lives at the aquarium. But he's here for a visit.
"Coughdrop," said Sal, smiling. "I love him. Make him say something." (3.4.42-46)
Oh boy, Sal can really push her brother's buttons. But sometimes he knows how to be the most compassionate big brother around, too. And when he wants to stay up all night, he's got even more reasons to be nice to his little sis so that she can be his partner in crime. Do you think Billy's motives impact his compassion here? Is he only being nice to meet his goal? Or does his kindness say something bigger about his personality?
Quote #7
He tore a piece of paper from the notebook in his backpack and wrote a letter to put in the envelope and mail.
The letter said:
Dear Sal,
Will make it to morning next time. Your ok.
Your brother,
BillyHe knew that she couldn't read the letter by herself, but he thought she'd like it anyway. (3.5.41-43)
Okay, now Billy really has become Mr. Nice Guy. He's spent a decent chunk of time thinking, well, not the nicest thoughts about his little sis, but somehow Sal has become a pretty special person in his life and he wants to show her that. And we've got a feeling that Sal's going to think this letter is the coolest thing ever. Cross your fingers Billy remembers to stick it the mail later.
Quote #8
"The problem is that we're supposed to write about one person, and that one person can be with us on the stage. But only one. So I have to choose. . . ." […]
"I don't think having Sal on stage with a microphone would be a good idea," said Papa. "She might do something—unexpected." Papa blinked. "I think you should limit your choice to Mama or me."
"Is that okay?" asked Billy. It seemed that excluding Sal was like lying somehow. And it felt strange to have Papa suggest it. (4.1.17, 20-21)
When Billy has to pick one family member to write his poem about, his top priority is not hurting anyone's feelings. And he wants to make sure that Sal doesn't feel like she's not part of the party (yep, this is the same kid who couldn't stand his littler sister's crying). Billy even seems hesitant about excluding Sal from the whole poem process.
Quote #9
It would be easier to write a poem about a boy (Papa), but Billy thought the whole thing would make Mama happier. She even taught poetry. Also, Papa volunteered at Billy school sometimes and went on field trips, and Mama never could because she was teaching. This would be a way to make up for that.
Billy still felt uncomfortable about choosing one over the other, so he'd come up with a plan so that Papa wouldn't know he'd made a deliberate choice. His plan was to have Mama and Papa each pick a number from one to ten. Instead of having a particular number in mind and writing it down, he'd wait for Mama and Papa to say their numbers, and then, no matter what number Mama chose, he would declare it the winner.
It wouldn't be fair, but that way Papa wouldn't have his feelings hurt. (4.1.30-32)
Billy is making some really grown-up decisions here. He's trying to please everyone in his family, and find a way not to hurt anyone's feelings, plus he really thinks through his decision. We're talking major step-by-step plans here. He's working hard to be as compassionate as can be.
Quote #10
Emma leaned toward Billy and stared at his drawing. She made a sour face and said, "Why did you draw an instrument? For your information, we're not having a musical concert."
Billy moved his drawing closer to his chest and tightened his grip on his marker. After months of sitting by her, Billy had learned that the best way to deal with Emma was to ignore her. But in his private thoughts, he said, "For your information, mind your own business." (4.4.20-21)
Back at the beginning of the book, Emma really got under Billy's skin. So now it's the end of the book and, well, she still annoys him like whoa. But the way Billy deals with his annoyance has gone from night to day. Earlier he made fun of her back, but now this guy just keeps his mouth shut and keeps his thoughts to himself.