No one can know. No one can ever know!
-- Maddy's Thoughts (Chapter 1)

Importance: Maddy thinks these words as the girls prepare to run in gym class. This happens at the very beginning of the novel, and at the point these words are spoken, the reader does not know why she fears even a drop of rain and what this rain could reveal. Later in the chapter, the reader learns that rain will make Maddy’s hair curl, and her hair will demonstrate to everyone that she is really Black when her father has been trying to pass her off as white since she first entered school.

Mad Mad Maddy! She’s Black. I mean… African American.
-- Wendy Quinn (Chapter 2)

Importance: Wendy says these words to Kenny because he has not heard the news about Maddy’s hair. These reveal key insights into Wendy’s character. She tries throughout most of the novel to treat Black people with respect...