Don’t let anyone talk down to you.
-- Chuck (Chapter 1)

Importance: Chuck gives Jordan this piece of advice before he attends his first day of school at Riverdale, a prestigious private school. Chuck fears that Jordan will face discrimination because there is little diversity at the school. He warns Jordan that he will need to stand up for himself in these situations. Jordan follows this advice when he defends the meaning of the content of his sketchbook as being his personal point of view, instead of an attack on the school.

Last comes Riverdale, where I do my best not to look cool at ALL! No shades, and definitely no hood. I don’t even like to draw ‘cause people might think I’m going to use my markers to ‘tag the bus.’ … Man! By the time I get to school, I’m exhausted!!!
-- Narrator - Jordan (Chapter 4)

Importance: Jordan describes how, as a Black person, he feels...