I write books for teenagers because I vividly remember what it felt like to be a teen facing everyday and epic dangers. I don't write to protect them. It's far too late for that. I write to give them weapons-in the form of words and ideas-that will help them fight their monsters. I write in blood because I remember what it felt like to bleed.

I think all of us are always five years old in the presence and absence of our parents.

...it's like this white-Indian thing has gotten out of control. And the thing with the blacks and the Mexicans. Everybody blaming everybody...I don't know what happened. I can't explain it all. Just look around at the world. Look at this country. Things just aren't like they used to be.' 'Son, things have never been like what you think they used to be.

I think a lot of Indians want Indian artists to be cultural cheerleaders rather than cultural investigators.

The dream he needed most was the dream that frightened him more.

A lot of people have no idea that right now Y.A. (young adult). is the Garden of Eden of literature.

White Americans have a short memory.