How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
At Mr. P's Tommy O'Brien had snuck up from behind to tug a braid. "Hey, Chop Suey, how are you doey?" Grinning, he then bowed deeply. She thought it rather wonderful that he remembered something she had done so long ago. (9.30)
Tommy makes fun of Shirley's behaviors and Chinese nationality, but does so in a manner that is affectionate and cutesy. Shirley isn't offended; it's just Tommy's teasing way. He does this to all his pals, showing Shirley that she's just one of the guys.
Quote #8
Their friendship began at lunch, when Shirley showed Emily where to buy tickets and took her through the line, whispering who among the counter ladies gave generous portions and what was good to eat and what should be avoided at all costs. (9.35)
Finally Shirley isn't the new kid on the block anymore. She's a bit less of the stranger around P.S. 8 and is taking it upon herself to do what nobody else did for her—help the new girl fit in. She's an old hand around the school now and clues Emily in on all the details.
Quote #9
By suppertime, Shirley looked like the beggars who waited by the servants' gate for scraps from the clan table. (4.85)
Shirley tries to learn to roller skate—she feels like she's the only one that doesn't know how, and she's desperate to learn to fit in and become one of the regular kids, even though she's really bad at skating. She perseveres despite her failure, but her mother ultimately takes the skates away. Shirley's back to being on the outside. Sigh.