How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"There's no rule against ninjas," I said. "And believe me, I checked."
"Consider it our newest regulation," Stricker said. "No ninjas allowed, at Halloween or anytime. You're going to have to take that off."
"Okay, okay," I said, like it was a big deal, but this was actually the part I'd been waiting for. Phase two: double points! (27.18-20)
Bad news is Rafe got ninjas outlawed. Good news is he's about to break way more rules—by taking the costume off. Taking it all off. Hey, he was just following Mrs. Stricker's instructions.
Quote #8
"You're right," I told her. "It is stupid. Just as stupid as some of these rules." I don't know why Jeanne was talking to me, and I don't know why I always told her everything I was thinking. Still, she didn't walk away, so I kept going. "No hats? No sunglasses? No pants that are too big or shirts that are too small? Do you really think all these rules do anything to make the school a better place?"
"That's not up to me," she said. (30.10-11)
Rafe's kind of right here. Some rules are kind of dumb. Does a kid wearing a hat really affect the ability of everyone else to learn? But Jeanne just accepts the rules for what they are. Rafe, on the other hand, isn't content just to sit back like a robot. Hey, even if you're not cool with breaking the rules, you can at least question them.
Quote #9
"The point is," Jeanne said, "nobody got hurt and nothing really happened. I mean, it's not like any rules got broken. Not really."
"A very important rule was broken the moment you went into that restroom," Mrs. Stricker said. "I'm afraid after-school detention is mandatory in this case."
"What?" Jeanne said.
"Come on!" I practically yelled. "That's totally unfair!"
(61.13-16)
And now Jeanne sees these stupid rules for what they are. She's right—no one got hurt by her standing in the boys' bathroom for a few minutes—but rules are rules and it's detention for her. You'd really think Mrs. Stricker would let this one slide, but she's being awful rule-abiding here. Looks like Rafe had a point, after all.