How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I've seen enough movies that I know when you first get to prison, you basically have two choices: (1) pound the living daylights out of someone so that everyone else will think you're insane and stay out of your way, or (2) keep your head down, try to blend in, and don't get on anyone's bad side. You've already seen what I look like, so you can probably guess which one I chose. (2.2)
Rafe sees his new middle school as a prison, which he has no choice but attend. Of course he does have one choice—how to act when he's there. He can either try to prove he's a tough guy, or slink along and hope no one bothers him. Too bad wimping out doesn't really work for him. (Thanks, Miller.)
Quote #2
All I could think when I saw that picture was—I want to be that kid. He looked like he was having a WAY better day than I was.
And that's when I got my idea.
My really stupendous, really, really Big Idea. It came on like a flash flood.
This was the best idea anyone had ever had in the whole history of middle school. In the whole history of ideas! Not only was it going to help me get through the year, I thought, it might also just save my life here at Hills Village.
That was, if I had the nerve to actually try it.
(5.23-27)
When Leo draws a picture of the kid breaking all the rules, Rafe can't help but feel jealous. It's then that he realizes he's got a choice to make. He doesn't have to follow all these stupid rules. He can break them one by one. If only he's got the guts. Well, does he?
Quote #3
"What was that about, Rafe?" she asked.
"Nothing," I told her.
"It wasn't "nothing," she said. "First of all, let me say that I noticed you kept Mr. Shakespeare's meter and rhyme in what you wrote—"
"Thanks!" I said.
"— but your behavior was completely unacceptable. There are much better ways to use your creativity, and I think you know it."
I nodded a lot while she talked. It seemed like the right thing to do.
(16.2-7)
Throughout the book, Rafe's teachers are constantly telling him to make better choices. And he's constantly ignoring them. In Rafe's mind, breaking the rules is the best choice. If his life was miserable and lame when he followed the rules, then why should he go back to doing that? Nope. It's a law-breaker's life for Rafe.