I sometimes think young people are not given nearly enough credit for their ability to appreciate literary flourish.

Southampton's barrage balloons floated gleaming in the moonlight like the ghosts of elephants and hippos.

But I have told the truth. Isn't that ironic? They sent me because I am so good at telling lies. But I have told the truth.

God knows what I thought! Your brain does amazing acrobatics when it doesn't want to believe something.

How did you ever get here, Maddie Brodatt?" "'Second to the right, and then straight on till morning,'" she answered promptly-it did feel like Neverland. "Crikey, am I so obviously Peter Pan?" Maddie laughed. "The Lost Boys give it away." Jamie studied his hands. "Mother keeps the windows open in all our bedrooms while we're gone, like Mrs. Darling, just in case we come flying home when she's not expecting us.

I felt like one who wants to trap and cage a little bird, and after years of waiting and luring and baiting finds that she must do no more than hold out her hand, and the finch lands on her finger and does not fly. You scarcely dare to move. It rests on your hand whole and free, foolishly trusting and infinitely courageous. It will never be more beautiful.

It's like being in love, discovering your best friend.