You know, this technology that we have, and the Internet and Twitter and Facebook - I get so many of those emails that talk about hard times that kids have gone through, how books have helped them, but also happy times.

You shоuld eat а waffle! Yоu саn't bе sad іf уоu eat а waffle!

Kids are smart. Knowledge is power. Let them figure things out. Don't turn into that grown-up who they won't come to.

I keep what I know about Sarah Lynn and Lawrence to myself. I also remind myself that even if Sarah Lynn does have a scary strict father, that doesn't release her from the responsibility of treating others with respect. Abuse of power is wrong, no matter the context, no matter the history. What is "power" anyway? Power is an ego trip. Power is a way to rise yourself up by lowering others, and I want nothing of it.

Is he a sophomore?" Lydia says. "Please tell me he's in our grade." "I don't know," I say. "But weren't you there when he came to the office?" Peyton says. "The secretary didn't get out her bullhorn and announce what grade he's in. She just took him to meet Headmaster Perkins.

I was just teasing," I say. "I myself don't like to eat plain butter, but hey, it's a free world.

Yes, that man acted ugly," she told us in plain English. "But throwing more ugliness back at him ain't the answer.