How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
You can't get your money back from the store if it looks used. It's not easy to read a book you don't crack open all the way but I've mastered the art of keeping the book brand-new. (7.8)
Leticia buys books for class, reads them, and then returns them to the store to get her money back. In contrast, Bea's books look destroyed with all the turned corners and writing in the margin. What does Leticia's choice to game the system reveal to us about her character?
Quote #5
Got to give it to him, the poor bastard. He shows up. Suited. Ready. This is his game. His minutes. It's gotta suck when you're the only one ready on game day.
So I call out, "Trust. It doesn't mean they trust each other." (10.8-9)
In history class, Dominique feels badly for her teacher, Delmonico; she doesn't have to throw him a bone, but she does. Dominique is totally capable of understanding others; in fact, she's perceptive beyond her athletic stereotype. And this demonstration of her empathy makes her decision to jump Trina that much sadder.
Quote #6
See, it's those two words, Leticia said, that cause problems. Because what should Leticia have done in the first place? Minded her own business. Half the turmoil brewing happens because so-and-so didn't do what? Mind her business. (13.5)
Leticia uses Dominique's philosophy of minding one's own business to justify her decision to say nothing. She doesn't think she bears any responsibility in getting involved in whatever is happening between Dominique and Trina, though it seems like an excuse to us to keep her passive streak alive.