How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Outside, she decided to cross the school yard like an emperor. It was time the others stepped aside for the Chinese. But then, not looking to the right or left, she did not see the runner stealing home base. (5.6)
After coming out of Mrs. Rappaport's classroom, Shirley wants to make everyone take note of her. She's tried shrinking back or standing on the sidelines, but that hasn't worked, so maybe standing out by emphasizing her differences from others will help her get friends. Inadvertently, by crashing into Mabel, she does make friends.
Quote #5
Hey, hey, you're just great
Jackie Robinson crossed the plate.
Hey, hey, you're a dream
Jackie Robinson's on our team. (5.104)
Shirley stumbles across home plate and becomes her team's hero in stickball. For the first time, she's identified with Jackie Robinson, as her new friends compare her to the Brooklyn Dodgers great in a chant. As a result, Jackie becomes her hero.
Quote #6
With hands over hearts, the class performed the ritual that ushered in another day at school.
Shirley's voice was lost in the chorus. (6.3-4)
Shirley engages in the ritual of American schools by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Her voice gets drowned out as she does so, and by being "lost in the chorus," Shirley (and her voice) become one with the other American kids. She's just part of the pack here, indistinguishable from her classmates.