You may be far from home, kid, but you can take the music anywhere,' Dad said. 'It's always with you.'”
-- Michael (chapter 2)

Importance: The quote shows the importance that Malu and Michael place on music. They are both interested in music. Michael trying to offer some reassurance that Malu will have this one familiar thing with her when she goes to Chicago.

She made a disgusted face and walked off, leaving me feeling like something really low. Like a piece of tape stuck to the bottom of someone's shoe.”
-- Malu (chapter 8)

Importance: Selena is giving Malu “advice,” which includes that she should not be “weird.” When Selena notes that Malu's shoes have tape on them, she says that Malu does need help. While Malu likes her shoes and taped them up on purpose, she seems unaware that not all students would see the fashion value of her outfit.

Because real Mexicans love cilantro and...
-- Malu (chapter 14)