He says he doesn't think President Roosevelt will get us out of this Depression and that if you give someone money for not working why would they ever bother to get a job?
-- Turtle (Chapter 1 paragraph 6)

Importance: Turtle is reflecting on what Mr. Edgit is telling her on the way to Florida. This is a significant quote because it sets the tone, tells the reader what the time period is, and offers understanding as far as why a parent would ship off her child to live with other relatives.

Lots of folks go to bed hungry these days. I've heard of men fighting over scraps in garbage cans and about that lady who taught her kids to steal milk.
-- Turtle (Chapter 4 paragraph 1)

Importance: Turtle tells the reader that she understands what poverty means because she's felt it. She also indicates that there are people in worse conditions that she and her mother. She understands that to give up...