If everyone started off the day singing, just think how happy they'd be.

— Lauren Myracle

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.

— Lauren Myracle

I live in my own little world. But It's ok, they know me here.

— Lauren Myracle

I suppose she's right. It's like a metaphor for life: No one wants an ornery old goat, but we can't resist opening the door away. We can't keep from hoping.

— Lauren Myracle

It wasn't that he didn't love me, because I knew he did. As for me, I loved him so much it hurt.

— Lauren Myracle

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

— Lauren Myracle

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

— Lauren Myracle

My angel-boy is close now, as in five-feet-away close. There's no way I'm going to burst into song in front of him. But then the contrary part of me says, you're going to let a boy keep you from singing out loud? Sing, sister! Sing! So I do, and my angel-boy turns his head.

— Lauren Myracle

One: Don't play leapfrog with elephants. Two: Don't pet a tiger unless his tail is wagging. Three: Never, ever, mess with the Ladies Auxiliary.-Mayberry Rules for a Long, Happy Life

— Lauren Myracle

Sarah Lynn strides out of the stairwell. Lawrence watches her go. The door slushes shut behind her, and he turns to me with a tightened jaw. I want to tell him: No, no, you've got it all wrong. I don't care if you kiss a white girl. Furthermore, I don't care if you love a white girl. Furthermore, I just wish you'd chosen a white girl worthy of your love. Lawrence's Adam's apple jerks up and down, and I realize that in addition to whatever else he's feeling, he's scared. He's in love with the darling of the school, Sarah Lynn Lancaster, ad he's afraid I'll expose his secret. I give a tiny shake of my head, wanting him to know he has nothing to fear, not from me.

— Lauren Myracle