“We don't wanta lose that little baby. Miss Hazel Marie might think she don't want it, but she do. If she lose it, she be worse upset than if she don't. When the Lord send a baby, he send the wantin', too.”

“Be kind to everyone - you don't know what cross they're bearing and how sweet that kind word might ring.”

“I don't believe in speaking ill of the dead, even when it's the truth.”

“...one or both of those babies could be president one day. Or they could discover the cure for a terrible disease, or one could be a famous musician or even a preacher.' I stopped and considered for a minute, wondering what would impress her more than that. 'Or just be fine and decent men or women, or man and woman, who would be a blessing to you in your old age. There's a purpose for every soul that comes into this world...”

“You don't mean it," he said mournfully. Not at all, she thought. "Yes, I do," she said.”

“...have you ever noticed how the one who wants to please never does?”

“I have this terrible fear of fractions," Christina told him. ... "Miss Schuyler thinks she can conquer it. Also a fear of running out of popcorn. Nothing could be worse than going to a movie and they don't have any popcorn, you know?”