How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The sound of chatter spilled over him and through him.
And he remembered with sadness, with regret, that the Mound had been the happiest place he'd ever known. No mountain to worry. No past. No ghosts. (11.168-169)
M.C.'s melancholy is a good reminder of how uneven M.C.'s growth into teenager-hood has been and how much location has impacted that growth. M.C. is way more mature than any of the Killburn kids because he's had to take care of so much on his own. The Mound, on the other hand, offers another view of childhood and how it might be spent: with other kids and among adults who take care of stuff like farming and cooking.
Quote #8
Through his blurring anger, he glimpsed his pole in the listless light. Its metal sheen was smooth and sleek and he felt no hate for it as he did for the shack and the girl.
Haven't seen you in forever.
He headed for the pole with a feel for it coming back to him. (14.98-100)
You can't blame M.C. for going back to what he knows best, a.k.a. his pole. He's just experienced his first heartbreak and all. But that pole isn't going to be enough now that he knows what it's like to be into a girl…
Quote #9
"I play with anybody I want," M.C. said. "This is my home. I live here, too." Backing away from Jones toward the front of the house:
"Ben? Hey you, Ben?" He kept his eyes on Jones, who came slowly toward him. (14.180-181)
Finally M.C. challenges his father on his bigotry. This is M.C. truly coming into his own and growing up, not only telling his dad to cut it out, but also admitting who he really is by claiming is friendship with Ben.