“ThinkWhen did it go wrong?The break-in?No, before that.The party?That was part of it, but that wasn't when it started.Zack?Of course, yeah, it would be easy to say it was Zack. But that's not it, is it?Before Zack.Before Ryan. Before Max and Derrick or that whole thing with the wallet.Before Ashley.Before tenth grade even began.And you're thinking, this can't be it.”

“When did swearing become so easy? You still would never swear in front of your parents or most adults, but when you're with your friends it's like every fifth word. Why couldn't learning Spanish be that easy?”

“The rule is any decent-looking girl asks to share your drink or have a lick of your ice cream or take a bite of a sandwich, you say yes. It's gross if you think about it, especially like now, Kristi's lips all covered with Ryan's spit, but there are some rules even you wouldn't break.”

“Ms. Casey is standing in front of the class explaining how she worked all weekend to get the tests graded so she could hand them back on Monday morning, and you're wondering if you're supposed to be impressed that she did her job.”

“Here are the Top Ten things that your parents say to you:-Is that all you're going to do all day, sit in front of the computer?-When I was your age I had two jobs.-Why don't you wear some clothes that fir for a change?-Turn it down. I can hear it all the way over here.-You're not eating that for dinner.-Did you do your homework?-Stop mumbling and speak up.-Now what did you do?-Because I said so.-No.”

“There's always a but.It's a magical word. You can say anything you want, go on for as long as you want, and then all you have to do is add the magic word and instantly everything you said is erased, turned meaningless, just like that.You're a really nice guy...Your mother thinks you need a new computer...You've been working harder in class...But.You keep looking at Mr. Nagle as he explains how a few zero homework grades really knock down your average. You nod, and you're thinking that everything he is saying is true.You are smarter than this.You could be getting all As.You could be on the High Honor Roll.And that if you don't straighten up soon, you won't get into college.You won't be able to find a decent job.You won't amount to anything.And you know it's all true.But.”

“The teachers complain that the students today are all lazy, ignorant, and stupid. But the truth is that you're smarter than they are. You're not even old enough to drive and you already know that none of this matters.”