How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I stared down at my shoes, counting. One. Two. Three. Four. By the time I reached ten, I realized counting was not going to suffice.
I need you, Lord. Hold back the Samson in me. I may not have his strength, but you know I have his temper.
I counted backward from ten, felt my breath slowly evening out. A still, small voice reminded me to return good for evil, reminded me that my plans for the future do not include fisticuffs or expulsion. (44.8)
Sterling is way more mature than most of the guys he goes to school with, and he understands a lot about himself. He has a temper, but he's determined not to use it. This kid is well on his way to becoming a responsible adult.
Quote #5
The brotha took me to a whole other place. I'm not sure I got all of it, but I got that he don't call himself no angel. 'Course, if Mr. Goody Two-shoes ain't no angel, what does that make me? Never mind. (46.1)
Tyrone always saw Sterling as some perfect Christian guy that he could never live up to, but now, he sees the truth. No one's perfect, and Sterling is no exception to this rule.
Quote #6
Wesley studied Steve a minute. "The question is, do you flow?" I figured that would be the end of it, 'cause I was sure Steve wouldn't even know what the brotha was talking about. How could he?
"Yeah," said Steve. "I flow."
"Guys?" said Mr. Ward. "Today?"
I shook my head. "Yeah, okay, Teach." I cut my eyes at Steve, betting this boy had never done a cipher in his life.
"Just try to keep up," I told him. "Y'all ready?"
Preacher set up the beat, and we took off.
And guess what? That white boy can flow. Makes you kinda wonder 'bout his family tree, now don't it?
What else can that boy do that I don't know about? (61.8-15)
Tyrone is learning stuff about people left and right. Even though this story focuses on all the students in Mr. Ward's class, Tyrone gets the limelight, and we follow his path to adulthood as he becomes someone who can see people for who they are instead of a bunch of stereotypes in his head. Yay for understanding.