Laurie Halse Anderson

"One had to be careful with elbows and boys."

"Slush is frozen over. People say that winter lasts forever, but it's because they obsess over the thermometer. North in the mountains, the maple syrup is trickling. Brave geese punch through the thin ice left on the lake. Underground, pale seeds roll over in their sleep. Starting to get restless. Starting to dream green."

"No. Absolutely not. I forbid it. You'll have nightmares.' 'She was my friend! You must allow me. Why are you so horrid?' As soon as the angry words were out of my mouth, I knew I had gone too far. 'Matilda!' Mother rose from her chair. 'You are forbidden to pseak to me in that tone! Apologize at once."

"I just want to sleep. A coma would be nice. Or amnesia. Anything, just to get rid of this, these thoughts, whispers in my mind. Did he rape my head, too?"