How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He was twelve years old, but on this day he was so insecure and uncertain that he felt as he had when he was a much younger child. (1.38)
Careful now, Alex—go too far back in time and you'll end up in diapers. Jokes aside, this quote sets the tone for Alex's journey in The Wild Children, establishing that he'll need to grow up in order to stay alive. It's not going to be an easy, but we have faith in the kid.
Quote #2
"But my father is very strict," Alex said. "I must always do as he says."
"Perhaps," Katriana replied. But do you always think as he thinks?" (1.48-49)
Thinking for yourself is an important part of growing up. While it's good to listen to what your parents say, you shouldn't take their word as gospel. Instead, you should think hard about the things they teach you and develop your own opinions and beliefs.
Quote #3
To leave […] this sanctuary […] was a pain such as he thought he might feel if he were being clawed by wolves and left bleeding in the snow, a nightmare of his childhood. (2.6)
And that's just about the most emo metaphor of all-time—sounds like lyrics from a Fall Out Boy song. You'd probably be a little melodramatic, too, if your entire family got kidnapped in the middle of the night. Although Alex wishes he could just stay in Katriana's apartment until the end of time, he'll need to get moving if he wants any shot at survival.