How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
He tore a piece of paper from the notebook in his backpack and wrote a letter to put in the envelope and mail.
The letter said:
Dear Sal,
Will make it to morning next time. Your ok.
Your brother,
BillyHe knew that she couldn't read the letter by herself, but he thought she'd like it anyway. (3.5.41-43)
Okay, now Billy really has become Mr. Nice Guy. He's spent a decent chunk of time thinking, well, not the nicest thoughts about his little sis, but somehow Sal has become a pretty special person in his life and he wants to show her that. And we've got a feeling that Sal's going to think this letter is the coolest thing ever. Cross your fingers Billy remembers to stick it the mail later.
Quote #8
"The problem is that we're supposed to write about one person, and that one person can be with us on the stage. But only one. So I have to choose. . . ." […]
"I don't think having Sal on stage with a microphone would be a good idea," said Papa. "She might do something—unexpected." Papa blinked. "I think you should limit your choice to Mama or me."
"Is that okay?" asked Billy. It seemed that excluding Sal was like lying somehow. And it felt strange to have Papa suggest it. (4.1.17, 20-21)
When Billy has to pick one family member to write his poem about, his top priority is not hurting anyone's feelings. And he wants to make sure that Sal doesn't feel like she's not part of the party (yep, this is the same kid who couldn't stand his littler sister's crying). Billy even seems hesitant about excluding Sal from the whole poem process.
Quote #9
It would be easier to write a poem about a boy (Papa), but Billy thought the whole thing would make Mama happier. She even taught poetry. Also, Papa volunteered at Billy school sometimes and went on field trips, and Mama never could because she was teaching. This would be a way to make up for that.
Billy still felt uncomfortable about choosing one over the other, so he'd come up with a plan so that Papa wouldn't know he'd made a deliberate choice. His plan was to have Mama and Papa each pick a number from one to ten. Instead of having a particular number in mind and writing it down, he'd wait for Mama and Papa to say their numbers, and then, no matter what number Mama chose, he would declare it the winner.
It wouldn't be fair, but that way Papa wouldn't have his feelings hurt. (4.1.30-32)
Billy is making some really grown-up decisions here. He's trying to please everyone in his family, and find a way not to hurt anyone's feelings, plus he really thinks through his decision. We're talking major step-by-step plans here. He's working hard to be as compassionate as can be.