“Another thing I found out right around that same time is that not knowing something doesn’t mean you’re stupid. All it means is that there’s still room left to wonder.”

Heidi compares foolishness and ignorance in this opening chapter quote. This idea follows her discussion on the color of dinosaur skin and her comment that facts are facts no matter who knows them. Heidi recognizes here that the unknown holds lessons and mysteries for everyone.

“Bernie taught me everything I know, and she was a very good teacher. When she explained things, they shot into my brain like arrows and stuck.” 

Bernie teaches Heidi to read but also teaches her fascinating science facts and topics. Bernie might in fact be a good teacher, but Heidi is a mature, scholarly thinker who shows clear strength in discovery and learning, which contributes to the “arrows” of knowledge leaving an impact.

“You and your mama just fell through a luckier set of cracks, is all.”

Bernie does not appear to question the fact that Mama and Heidi have an apartment and utilities without any bills, considering the two of them unlucky in some ways but “luckier” than many people in other ways. Bernie reassures Heidi with this logic that Heidi and Mama are not stealing water, electricity, and living space.