How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"In the first place no one cares enough to come down here, and in the second place if anyone should come, maybe he could see all the things we need—current books for all of our subjects, not just somebody's old throwaways, desks, paper, blackboards, erasers, maps, chalk. . ." (1.169)
No matter how poorly funded your school is, it's probably not nearly as bad off as Great Faith Elementary and Secondary school.
Quote #5
"One day you'll have a plenty of clothes and maybe even a car of yo' own to ride 'round in, so don't you pay no mind to them ignorant white folks. You jus' keep on studyin' and get yo'self a good education and you'll be all right." (3.12)
Don't be a fool—stay in school! Big Mama gives basically this pep talk to Little Man when he gets frustrated at being doused in mud every day on the walk to school. Education was seen as a way out of poverty, and could provide some upward mobility (like Mama and the school principal). Plus, maybe having a car like Uncle Hammer isn't a bad perk.
Quote #6
In addition to the books there was a sockful of once-a-year store-bought licorice, oranges, and bananas for each of us and from Uncle Hammer a dress and a sweater for me, and a sweater and a pair of pants each for Christopher-John and Little Man. But nothing compared to the books [...] Little Man [...] throughout the day [...] lay upon the deerskin rug looking at the bright, shining pictures of faraway places, turning each page as if it were gold [...]' (7.74)
Sweaters, schmweaters. We here at Shmoop are totally on board with Cassie's attitude toward getting books as gifts. The books the children receive are more valuable than the sweets and the clothing (which they really need). Check out the word choice here: "bright," "shining," "gold." These books are treasured by the children.