How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The paper route was where I met all the new people in my life and where all the bad stuff happened. And some good stuff too. At least I think it was good. I'm still trying to figure all of it out and I'm hoping that putting the words on paper will help. (1.18)
The paper route doesn't just help Victor to earn a buck or two (for Rat); it helps him grow up. It introduces him to responsibility and life outside of his own little social bubble.
Quote #2
I finally got around to telling Mam that I thought I would like the throwing part of Rat's newspaper route but the collecting part on Friday nights was messing me up on the insides.
I'll go collectin' with you.s-s-s-s-Need to s-s-s-s-do it on s-s-s-s-my own.
You be growing up, Little Man. I's proud of you. (1.35-38)
Collecting money for the paper route scares Victor, but he wants to be able to do it all on his own. After all, that's what growing up is all about—learning how to do things for yourself without relying on your parents or other adults in your life.
Quote #3
Mam had stopped giving me goodnight kisses on the top of my head a long time ago without me asking. You never had to tell Mam what you were thinking like you did with regular grown-ups. She always knew on her own. (1.49)
Mam is pretty much the only person in the family who realizes that Victor isn't a little kid anymore. His mother and father have to be told more explicitly that he doesn't want to be treated like a baby anymore, but Mam just gets it.