How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"I wish I could go to school," said Sal.
"You will," said Papa. "Soon enough."
"I wish I could go now," said Sal.
"I wish you could go for me," said Billy.
"Go, go, go," said Papa. "Everybody go."
And they—Billy, Papa, Sal, and the Drop Sisters—were off to Georgia O'Keeffe Elementary School in Constant, Wisconsin. (1.2.9-14)
When it comes to family, the Millers are a close-knit bunch. Did you notice how there are even some stuffed animals thrown into the mix? Yep, even Sal's plush pets, the Drop Sisters, get to be part of the fam. Now that's one inclusive family unit. Plus, Sal loves her big brother so much that she even wants to go to school just like him. Right off the bat, we know that this family knows how to stick together.
Quote #2
"Hi, Lumpy," Ned said to Billy. He laughed. "Hi, Papa." He ignored Sal. […]
"Don't call him Papa," said Sal. "He's not your papa. You should call him Cliff."
Ned paid no attention to Sal.
Ned always called Billy's father Papa. Billy thought this was funny, but it bothered Sal. Ned called his own father Dad; everyone Billy knew called their own fathers Dad. When he was little, Ned had thought that Papa was a name like Billy or Cliff or Sal. (1.2.16, 18-20)
Ned has a unique relationship with Billy's dad. Instead of calling him by his first or last name, Ned calls Mr. Miller "Papa" just like Billy and Sal. Do you think this makes Mr. Miller part of Ned's family? How so? Is it the name that makes the family, or is it something else?
Quote #3
Mama entered the kitchen. "What's going on in here?" she asked. She tucked her red marking pencil behind her ear, which made Billy think of Ms. Silver's chopsticks.
Papa whisked past Mama, tapping her on the shoulder. "Tag team," he said. "Your turn." He disappeared out the back door. (2.2.43-44)
Mama and Papa Miller really know how to look out for one another—these parents are quite the duo and they know just how to show the other some support. Take a look at how Mama steps in for Papa when he's frustrated with all the diorama-making. Cleaning up might not be the most fun task in the world, but she's ready to "tag team" it so that she can help out her hubby. And that's seriously sweet. In what other ways do you see Billy's parents acting as a team?