Rolling Backpack

Marco’s rolling backpack symbolizes the ways in which he is different from most students. While most kids carry backpacks, Marco insists that the rolling backpack is best because the weight of books on a growing child’s back is harmful. He often runs into students with his backpack, demonstrating how his natural proclivities do not allow him to fit in well in middle school.

Trophies

Marco and Isaac have very different trophies. These trophies symbolize the areas in which the boys excel. Marco’s trophies are all for academic achievements whereas Isaac’s are for athletic achievements. Marcos wants to win a basketball trophy to make his father proud, but when his team actually wins it, he gives it to Isaac because he knows that basketball is really where Isaac excels and is the area Isaac has worked the hardest in. This symbolizes the...