How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
What they don't understand about birthdays and what they never tell you is that when you're eleven, you're also ten, and nine, and eight, and seven, and six, and five, and four, and three, and two, and one. (1)
From the first word, "Eleven" introduces the reader to its unique take on the coming-of-age theme. Basically, you are all of your ages and experiences combined together. That's a pretty cool way to look at it. But, on the other hand, it also means a part of you will always be your eight-year-old self forever. Or worse—thirteen-year-old you. The horror!
Quote #2
Like some days you might say something stupid, and that's the part of you that's still ten. Or maybe some days you might need to sit on your mama's lap because you're scared, and that's the part of you that's five. (2)
In addition to having ten-year-old you hanging out forever, sometimes he or she will pop out and you'll act ten years old again. In other words, who you were and who you are never truly goes their separate ways. Rachel doesn't seem too fond of this idea, but when you're twenty-five and watching cartoons on Saturday morning with a bowl of cereal, you might start to see the benefit of being forever young.
Quote #3
You don't feel eleven. Not right away. It takes a few days, weeks even, sometimes even months before you can say Eleven when they ask you. And you don't feel smart eleven, not until you're almost twelve. That's the way it is. (4)
Most children feel eleven the moment they turn eleven, but Rachel shows some thoughtfulness here. She doesn't feel eleven until she has actually lived more of her eleventh year. In Rachel's mind, you don't turn eleven; you have to live it. And that makes for a pretty deep eleven year old.