Laurie Halse Anderson Quotes

I had let down my shields, that was the problem. The crazy inside Dad had infected me, weakened me so that when Finn smiled, I'd been vulnerable. I'd dropped my shields and let myself pretend that som...

I pull my lower lip all the way in between my teeth. If I try hard enough, maybe I can gobble my whole self this way.... I didn't try hard enough to swallow myself.

I’m an idiot.

I sent a simple smiley face, because my phone did not have a smiley face that was wrapping her hands around her own throat and beating her head against a wall.

I'm feeling pretty damn good for a change.

Superheroes work the hardest when things get tough.

If I could turn into a wisp of smoke, I could slip into them and disappear.

I would never be popular. I didn't want to be; I liked being shy. I'd never be the smartest or the hottest or the happiest. By eighth grade you start to figure out your limits.

Homework is not an option. My bed is sending out serious nap rays. I can't help myself. The fluffy pillows and warm comforter are more powerful than I am. I have no choice but to snuggle under the cov...

How could filling in a bunch of blanks and writing a fluffy essay about the 'moment of significance' in my life let them know if I was good enough to go here?

Maybe I'll be an artist if I grow up.

Why don’t you want to see your mom? Did she burn yourdolls in a sacrificial fire? Read your e-mail?She wants to run my life, I explain.What a bitch. It’s like she thinks she’s your motheror something....

You been too strong, she said firmly. I know about that. Strong starts out being the right thing. Your hands grow strong enough for your work. Your back strengthens under your burdens. Soon your mind...

It was like looking at a knot, knowing it was a knot, but not knowing how to untie it. I had no map for this life.

I'm learning how to taste everything.

I don't know what I'm doing in the next five minutes and she has the next ten years figured out.

The night sky stretched on forever above me, the stars flung like glass beads and pearls on a black velvet cloak.

She laid land mines in my skill that detonated weeks later.

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?

THE FIRST TEN LIES THEY TELL YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL 1. We are here to help you. 2. You will have time to get to your class before the bell rings. 3. The dress code will be enforced. 4. No smoking is allow...