How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"There's a television in my bedroom you can watch. As long as you don't play in there. Children like watching television, don't they?" (1.10.195)
Okay, this lady is not going to work out. Cousin Eunice says over and over again that she doesn't have any clue what kids are like. Why doesn't she try having a little bit of empathy? After all, she was a kid once, right?
Quote #5
I think you must give some thought to adoption and foster homes. Sammy, despite his behavior, may prove the easiest to find a home for. It will be hard to place Maybeth. A retarded child—"
"She's not!"
"She has the symptoms," Father Joseph answered gently. "And you, an older child. You also would be hard to place. Your cousin—I don't know what her plans are now."
Dicey had no idea what he was talking about. She shrugged her shoulders.
"James also is old for adoption, but he would easily find a permanent home here at the school, or he might stay with one of our families. His academic promise makes him most desirable."
Dicey could think of nothing to say. "You should think of these things," Father said, still gently. "I know you don't want to, but you must think them through and be ready. Think of yourself also. You are still a child yourself."
A child? Dicey felt a hundred years old. Or more. (1.11.75-81)
This is harsh reality that Dicey has to face. The Tillermans are only kids and, as kids, they have to have adults in their lives. The easiest thing for the adults, though, would be to split them up—and Dicey is determined to keep her family together.
Quote #6
Dicey nodded to show she understood, and she thought she did understand what he had said. She was too young to be a girlfriend. Her cheeks grew warm with the thought. Of course she was, much too young, and besides, she had more important things to do. (2.3.122)
In an ironic moment, we see that Dicey is too young to date, yet she's old enough to travel by herself with three other little kids searching for a home. If that doesn't make it clear that she's been thrown from childhood into adulthood at a young age, then we don't know what does.