That meant no one really noticed how LAME I was at all these different sports and games. Especially because Fred Turner was in my group, and he is even worse than I am at everything."
-- Marc (chapter 2)

Importance: Marc is talking about the final day of fifth grade, when all the students are spending time at different activities. At this point, Marc is so desperate that he is happy that he looks better because another boy is worse than Marc. That changes later, and Marc is ready to help others feel better about themselves instead of using others to feel better about himself.

And of course my mom thinks I'm special - she's my MOM! So seriously, there was no point in telling my mom what was really wrong."
-- Marc (chapter 3)

Importance: Marc is thinking about the last day of fifth grade, and he is so upset that he is having trouble acting as if everything...