How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
I looked at the picture of Momma that Miss Thomas gave me. Momma was looking right at me with that same soft smile. I know it's stupid to smile back at a picture but I couldn't help myself. I know it's even stupider to talk to a picture, especially when it hadn't said anything to start a conversation, but I had to say, "Here we go again, Momma, only this time I can't wait!" (19.168)
No way: we don't think Bud is stupid at all. In fact, he may be the smartest little boy running around the streets of Michigan. And the bravest. But more on topic: maybe that picture of Bud's mother isn't saying anything to him, but we sure think his mother's wisdom has continued to "speak" to him all through the book.