I couldn't tell from looking at it if it was fiction or a real story.
-- Narrator (All Clean)

Importance: During his visit to Principal Reeves' office, City becomes distracted by the mysterious Long Division book on her shelf. What intrigues him about the book is its odd spine and cover, and its omission of an author's name. Because the book's cover bears little information about its contents, City begins to wonder if it is fiction or nonfiction. This moment introduces the author's thematic interest in exploring the intersection of fiction and reality, lived and written story.

Ain't nothing these white folks can do to make you feel like me and LaVander Peeler feel right now.
-- City (Words, Word, Work)

Importance: As soon as City receives his first word at the Can You Use That Word in a Sentence contest, City becomes outraged. He launches into a tirade about all of the things wrong with the competition. In this moment...