For the last week or so it's like getting jabbed with a little needle every time I hear that word. Gram is trying to pretend how excited she is I'm finally in the eighth grade, like this is a really big deal. Which is a joke, because the only reason I got passed from seventh grade is because they figured this way the big butthead can be - quote - someone else's problem, thank God, we've had quite enough of Maxwell Kane - unquote.
In the narrative, the protagonist experiences considerable frustration regarding his promotion to eighth grade. He feels that instead of genuine enthusiasm from his grandmother, there’s an underlying tension, as if his advancement is more of a burden to others than an achievement. His perspective highlights a sense of isolation, as he believes he is seen as a problem rather than a person worthy of celebration.
The character reflects on the circumstances that led to his progression, revealing that he was moved up not due to academic success but rather as a way to relieve others of the challenge he presents. This idea of being labeled as someone else's problem underscores the struggles he faces both in school and within his family dynamics.
