“So as a seventh grader, no, you weren't friends with people you didn't like. But sometimes you also weren't friends with people you did like, which was complicated, and which didn't make any sense if you tried to explain it. Sometimes things just changed. That's where the sadness came in.”

“So, as a seventh grader,no, you weren't friends with people you didnt like. But sometimesyou also werent friends with people you did like, which was complicated, and which didnt make any sence if you tried to explain it. Sometimes things just changed. Thats where the sadness came in.”

“I scowled. I could resist it all I wanted, but I did understand what he was trying to explain. How sometimes he pieces of who you thought you were didn't add up to who you really were, like with me not standing up for Patrick when he wore those pants.”

“Is he a sophomore?" Lydia says. "Please tell me he's in our grade.""I don't know," I say. "But weren't you there when he came to the office?" Peyton says."The secretary didn't get out her bullhorn and announce what grade he's in. She just took him to meet Headmaster Perkins.”

“I didn't like being alone. Being alone was slightly better than having to deal with people, that's all. Or so I'd convinced myself.”

“You should be out stirring up trouble with your friends, not bothering with all them books you read. You know it's them books what make you talk funny.”

“When you make a solemn promise to a friend, it ain't right to go back on it. No. Never let your friend down, never break a trust, and when you give your word, never go back on it.-Sheriff Andy Taylor”