If no one speaks out for [young readers], if they don’t speak out for themselves, all they’ll get for required reading will be the most bland books available. Instead of finding the information they need at the library, instead of finding novels that illuminate life, they will find only those materials to which nobody could possibly object... In this age of censorship I mourn the loss of books that will never be written, I mourn the voices that will be silenced — writers’ voices, teachers’ voices, students’ voices — and all because of fear.

I didn't know I was really a writer until I read it in the New York Times. And then I thought, "Oh my god, maybe I can really do this". That was a review of "Margaret."

We must, we must, we must increase our bust.

How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives.

some changes happen deep down inside of you. And the truth is, only you know about them. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be.

What I remember when I started to write was how I couldn't wait to get up in the morning to get to my characters.

I love you, Michael Wagner.” “Forever?” he asked. “Forever,” I said.