David Arnold's Lesson

Throughout the book Arnold learns about trust, perseverance, and forgiveness. Which makes him a more confident person. One lesson Arnold learns is to be persistent. He learns that sometimes he has to take risks to accomplish his dream. For example, after getting suspended for throwing the book at Mr.P, Mr.P talked to Arnold and told him to leave the rez.. The teacher told Arnold that if he didn’t leave he was going to end up like the others. To have hope people have to surround themselves by those who also share the same dreams. He then realized that he has to leave since people in the rez are hopeless. So he decides to ask his parents who has the most hope, “White people” his parents answered. He then says ”I want to transfer schools...I want to go to Reardan”(45). After he leaves the rez, his tribe sees him as a traitor. He loses his best friend, Rowdy and gets beaten up by him (53). Even though it is not easy for him he decides to play basketball against Wellpinit High school, the school he used to attend before Reardan. While he plays he gets, three stitches and a minor concussions but doesn’t give up (145). Another lesson Arnold learns is to trust. Arnold learns this lesson when Roger invites him and Penelope to join them to get pancakes. Unfortunately, Arnold only has 5 dollars in his pocket. He then makes up an excuse to
He learns to overcome his pride and forgive others. Arnold learns this lesson during summer time on page 228 where it says; “For a second, I thought about saying no. I thought about telling him to bite my ass. I thought about making him apologize. But I couldn’t. He was never going to change.” This quote demonstrates that Arnold was hesitant to forgive Rowdy but he didn’t let his pride win and decided to accept his invitation. This lesson changes Arnold,therefore he didn’t keep score when playing basketball because all what really mattered to him was their friendship and not pride