How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"No, you just keep on working. I'll be right back. Don't worry, I'll be right back." Nardo made a move to leave, but seeing me straighten up, he put his hand assuringly on my shoulder: "Don't you believe me?" he asked. "I said I'll be right back."
"No, I believe you," I said. I just want to make sure you're not going to take a nap." (5.28-29)
It's no secret that Nardo isn't the best worker around, so when he and Manny are cleaning the yard at Grandma's house, it isn't surprising that Nardo tries to shimmy out of some of the work. But Manny isn't about to let the wool be pulled over his eyes—he's like a hawk, watching Nardo to make sure that he's not left alone to finish the project on his own.
Quote #8
After a couple of weeks of watching punches pop deeper into the bag, and guys skip blurs on the jump rope—Albert actually hit the tetherball four swipes in a row!—I began to get a little swell-headed bout our chances. Sure, at first I was a bit leery, since those other guys were bigger and could cross their arms when jumping rope, but they weren't any better than us, not really. (7.49)
The boxing team has been working hard, and it's showing results. Manny didn't necessarily believe in the team in the beginning, but he figures that all the hard work is paying off, and this turns on his dreamer reflex. He really can be an optimistic guy when he wants to, so it's no surprise that he's looking at the bright side for his teammates. Maybe this boxing team can prove that hard work really does reap its own rewards—that would totally rock.
Quote #9
Mom stuck her hands under Magda's shoulders and lifted. "Let's go, honey, let's go see the doctor." Her hands kept sliding out from under Magda's armpits, and she kept drooping back to the floor. "Manny, get over here and help me," she said. "We got to get her inside the clinic." She turned to the receptionist and said in the politest voice she knew if she could please get a wheelchair.
"Okay, I will, but I'm sorry you won't be able to see the doctor right now." (8.25-26)
Mom is working so hard to help her daughter out, trying to get the receptionist at the hospital to bring Magda to see a doctor. But even Mom's polite attitude can't do the trick; no matter how much she persists, the receptionist won't budge on getting Magda in to see the doctor sooner. It's as if there's truly nothing at all Mom can do to change the situation, and the whole thing feels pretty hopeless. Mom keeps on persevering, though. She takes her job as mom very seriously.