Have a Little Faith

          When Arnold thinks he is all alone, without any friends, he turns to his grandmother for advice.  When Arnold says, "I punched this big guy in the face.  And he just walked away. And now I'm afraid he's going to kill me (p. 68)."  His Grandmother first asks why he would punch him in the first place, showing that she cares for everyone, even this big white boy.  After Arnold informs his Grandmother that the big white boy was making fun of him, Grandma says, "Then you should have kicked him in the balls (p. 68) "  Arnold's grandmother loves her grandson, and cares about his well being.

          When Arnold tells his grandma that the big guy didn't fight back she says that by not fighting back, the bully was showing that he now had respect for Arnold.  Arnold is shocked by his grandmother's reaction and thinks that her theory is completely wrong.  Arnold grandmother responds by saying "Yes way! You see, you men and boys are like packs of wild dogs. This giant boy is the alpha male of the school, and you're the new dog, so he pushed you around a bit to see how tough you are (p. 68)."  Even though Arnold still thinks she is crazy, he later finds out that she was right.  No matter what, Arnold's grandmother has faith in him and respects his decisions.  Arnold and his grandmother have a unique, trusting, loving and unbreakable bond.