Why do some characters and the reader like Holden Caulfield, despite his immaturity?

Observation: In spite of Holden's immaturity and unreliability, the reader (and some of Holden's
teachers like Mr. Spencer and Mr. Antolini) feel for and even like Holden. Why?

Directions:

- Respond to this in a detailed short paper ( 3 paragraphs-about 2 pages), supporting what you say with evidence from the text.
- Introductory paragraph should briefly sum up Holden's immaturity and unreliability and then introduce the above observation.
- Compose one body paragraphs giving specific, well-developed examples of why other characters feel for and like Holden.
- Compose a second body paragraph giving specific, well-developed examples of why the reader feels for and likes Holden; end this paragraph with a concluding, summary sentence rather than writing a separate conclusion.

Those are my directions for this paper. My main question is why do some of the characters like Holden? I can think of reasons , the reader, like him, but I can't think of textual evidence for the other characters liking him. Does anyone have any examples of such? Thanks in advance!

While I can't site specific text, I would look at the part where he saw the boy commit suicide. That is a part of the story where you should feel some sympathy for Holden, and by creating sympathy for Holden you will be able to relate to him. When you can relate to someone you tend to like them more.