How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Thank you, Papa, yes I am."
"Hey, what about Dad? I thought I was Dad?"
"Oh—" said Billy. "I forgot." He paused. He puckered his lips, then bit his lower one, released it. "I might forget sometimes," he admitted.
"That's okay," said Papa. "You might forget what to call me, but I know you know who I am," he joked.
Billy grabbed Papa's sleeve. He stared up at him. "Don't worry, Dad," he said. "I'll never forget you."
"I'm not worried," said Papa. "Not one little bit." (2.5.35-40)
So it turns out it might not be as easy for Billy to change his ways as he thought. In fact, growing up and into using a new name for his pops can be a bit challenging sometimes. But the good news is that names don't necessarily matter to Billy and Papa's relationship. In fact, they don't matter one bit—Billy can call his pops "Dad" or "Papa," but it won't impact how close this pair is.
Quote #8
Billy sprang from his bed and bolted out of his room. He stopped suddenly. What should he do? Where should he go? He didn't want Gabby to think he was a baby. He fled down the hall and threw open the door. "Sal," he said, his voice soft, but frantic and breaking. "Sal, wake up." (3.3.36)
Sometimes being scared can make us feel like we're a little kid again and Billy doesn't want to feel too young. Check out how that one word came up again: "baby." Sounds like Billy's biggest worry is looking like he's a baby in front of other people. But that has us wondering: Does being scared really make you a baby? How do you think Billy is defining growing up here?
Quote #9
Emma leaned toward Billy and stared at his drawing. She made a sour face and said, "Why did you draw an instrument? For your information, we're not having a musical concert."
Billy moved his drawing closer to his chest and tightened his grip on his marker. After months of sitting by her, Billy had learned that the best way to deal with Emma was to ignore her. But in his private thoughts, he said, "For your information, mind your own business." (4.4.20-21)
One of the ways Billy grows up is by learning to control his temper, and that means learning to bite his tongue when Emma decides to dish out some rudeness. The thing is that Billy used to be super affected by what Emma had to say, but now even though he's angry, he doesn't totally seem as hurt either. Somebody's grown up quite a bit, we think.