Quotes
“Seriously, I know my mother and father had their dreams when they were kids. They dreamed about being something other than poor, but they never got the chance to be anything because nobody paid attention to their dreams.”
This quote encapsulates the theme of unfulfilled aspirations and the cyclical nature of poverty. The protagonist, Junior, reflects on his parents' experiences growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, where dreams of escaping poverty were often overlooked and unattainable. Despite harboring their own ambitions, Junior's parents were unable to realize them due to the systemic barriers and lack of opportunities that plagued their community. Through Junior's perspective, the quote sheds light on the societal neglect and marginalization faced by Indigenous communities, where dreams are often dismissed or ignored, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and unfulfilled potential.
“If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning . . . But when you draw a picture, everybody can understand it.”
Junior reflects on the limitations of language in conveying meaning across diverse audiences. He highlights how linguistic and cultural barriers restrict understanding, as different languages carry unique nuances and cultural contexts. In contrast, visual communication, such as drawing a picture, transcends these barriers, enabling a broader audience to interpret and comprehend the intended message. This universality of visual communication becomes significant in Junior's journey as he navigates between the Spokane Indian Reservation and a predominantly white school in Reardan, using drawing as a means of self-expression and communication. Through his cartoons, Junior finds a medium that allows him to convey his thoughts, feelings, and experiences to a wider audience, bridging the gap created by linguistic and cultural differences.
“I’d always been the lowest Indian on the reservation totem pole – I wasn’t expected to be good so I wasn’t. But in Reardan, my coach and the other players wanted me to be good. They needed me to be good. They expected me to be good . . . And so I became good.”
This quote illustrates the profound impact of expectations and support on personal growth and achievement. Junior, the protagonist, contrasts his experiences on the Spokane Indian Reservation, where low expectations and lack of support hindered his potential, with his time at Reardan High School, where he is encouraged and expected to excel.
In Reardan, Junior finds himself in an environment where his coach and teammates believe in his abilities and push him to succeed. Their belief in him instills a sense of responsibility and motivation, driving Junior to surpass his own expectations and become skilled in basketball. The quote highlights the transformative power of positive reinforcement and high expectations, as Junior rises to meet the challenges set before him and thrives in an environment where his potential is recognized and nurtured.
“I think Rowdy might be the most important person in my life. Maybe more important than my family. Can your best friend be more important than your family?”
The protagonist, Junior, grapples with conflicting emotions as he contemplates the importance of his best friend, Rowdy, in his life. Despite the strong bond Junior shares with his family, particularly his parents and grandmother, he acknowledges the profound impact Rowdy has had on him. Rowdy has been Junior's closest companion since childhood, providing support, camaraderie, and understanding in the face of adversity.
The quote raises questions about the nature of friendship and its role in fulfilling emotional needs and fostering personal growth. Junior's relationship with Rowdy challenges conventional notions of family and friendship, as he wrestles with the idea of whether a best friend can hold greater significance than one's own family members.
Through Junior's introspection, the quote explores themes of loyalty, companionship, and the complexities of human connections. It prompts readers to reflect on the dynamics of their own relationships and the different roles that family and friends play in shaping their lives.
