How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
There were dozens of children in the neighborhood; boys and girls of every size and style and color, some of whom could speak more than one language when they wanted to. But in their schools and on the streets they all seemed to speak the same language and to have a number of things in common. (1.5)
That's a poster for harmonious diversity right there. But as far as the heroes go, the nice thing about the neighborhood where they live is that it's full of children—which means that there are plenty of potential playmates when they go outside to play.
Quote #2
"Do you really still play with paper dolls?" April asked in just the tone of voice that Melanie had feared she would use. Not just because she was April, either. It was the tone of voice that nearly anyone would use about a sixth-grade girl who still played with ordinary paper dolls. (3.40)
April is only eleven years old, but she can still act superior when she sees Melanie doing something she sees as babyish. But when Melanie shows her the game, April is completely sucked in and has to admit that playing with paper dolls can be fun. That's the power of imagination.
Quote #3
"That's the way with Marshall," she said. "He's been awfully grown-up ever since—oh, since about the time he started walking. That is, about everything except Security. I guess he's not very grown-up about that. Dad says the reason Marshall needs Security is that he had such a hard time being a baby. Dad said being a baby offended Marshall's dignity." (6.19)
Marshall is only four years old, but that doesn't mean that he acts like a baby. At least, aside from his habit of carrying around Security the stuffed octopus. But aside from that one quirk, he's very mature for his age.