How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Their hatred stunned him. He knew these men, their brothers, mothers, sisters, daughters, helloed them daily in these streets surrounding the hospital. They were his neighbors, his friends. Why now did they kick him? (38.19)
Jimmi thinks the peeps who hang around the neighborhood are his friends, but he quickly learns they are most definitely not. The book gives us portraits of close, meaningful friendships, and then contrasts these with these fickle ones so we can appreciate the difference.
Quote #8
"I have so many friends, Mom. They in the camps will rejoice at my homecoming. With the sign my sister Mik taught me, they will ask me to lead a new school. There are many who will be eager to know what I have learned here. This is a remarkable opportunity for me. I will send you many letters and tell you of my progress." (42.7)
Fatima lies through her teeth when Mik's mom says goodbye to her. She wants Mik and her mom to be comforted, and she does this by painting a picture complete with loads of friends. To Fatima, that's what happiness looks like, even if it's not the truth.
Quote #9
Fatima signed, THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND. (43.6)
Need we say more? Fatima is grateful to have met Mik and we know the feeling is mutual. It's even more touching that she signs this instead of speaking it since this way, only Mik gets the message. Besides, it's the language that Mik taught her when they became friends. Aw.