“Little Willy lived with his grandfather on a small potato farm in Wyoming. It was hard work living on a potato farm, but it was also a lot of fun. Especially when Grandfather felt like playing.”

This sentence presents Little Willy’s backstory without launching into too much exposition. The above sentence likewise raises questions about Willy’s parents, the economic status of the family, and the year in which the story takes place. These questions help place the reader in the appropriate setting; in this sentence alone, the author establishes the close relationship Little Willy has with Grandfather.

“It happens when a person gives up. Gives up on life. For whatever reason. Starts up here in the mind first; then it spreads to the body. It’s a real sickness, all right. And there’s no cure except in the person’s own mind. I’m sorry, child, but it appears that your grandfather just doesn’t want to live anymore.”

Doc Smith says the above to Little Willy after Grandfather refuses to leave his bed. This passage might be an attempt to portray depression. Doc Smith explains what is occurring to Little Willy and offers to let him stay with her while his grandfather is ill. Ironically, Doc Smith seems to give up on Grandfather almost immediately after diagnosing him. Little Willy thus takes on the responsibility of getting his grandfather to want to live again.

“I’ll find out. I’ll find out what’s wrong and make it better. You’ll see. I’ll make Grandfather want to live again.”

The sentence above is Little Willy’s vow to help cure his grandfather. This is also the beginning of Little Willy’s bildungsroman. Grandfather’s illness and Little Willy’s solemn promise to help heal him is the catalyst for the proceeding events. It likewise foreshadows how Willy will take responsibility for saving the entire farm.