“Isn't she a beauty?”

“She should be walking by now.”

“She can barely hold a pencil.”

“She's not dumb or slow, she's ­different.”

“Why are you so tall?”

“Why is she wearing overalls? Weirdo.”

“Can you tell me about this story you wrote?”

“I want to put her in a higher class. You should hear the things she says.”

“Here are some of my favorites. They're chapter books, but I know you can read them.”

“You barely ever talk.”

“I hear her talk. You just have to really listen.”

“Why don't you try soccer?”

“It's okay, you don't have to ever go back on that field.”

“Have you tried gymnastics?”

“That's okay, you don't have to like it.”

“Where did you learn to play chess like that? Maybe we could play one day.”

“I know you normally sit alone, but can I sit with you at lunch today?”

“What do you write about in that red notebook?”

“You should invite a friend over.”

“I've never been to a girl's house ­before.”

“I'll bring my book tomorrow, and we can read together in your spot in the shed.”

“I'm very impressed with this project.”

“You can paint your room yourself as long as you clean up your mess.”

“I can help you paint today, instead of reading in the shed.”

“Why does she only ever talk to that boy? They're both freaks. She must love him.”

“Those girls don't know anything about poetry or black holes or how to play a game of chess.”

“Could you read your essay to the class?”

“I don't like her. She's weird.”

“I got your nooooootebook.”

“This poem is by Emily Dickinson. I think you'll enjoy it.”

“Teacher's pet, teacher's pet.”

“Did you see her crying when he stole her notebook? I wonder why she cared so much.”

“I bet she's not even a girl. I bet she's like an alien.”

“You're not normal.”

“No, she's not normal. She's special.”

“– sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G –”

“What are you doing here? This class is for middle schoolers.”

“No one is ever gonna like you.”

•
•
•

“Your friend hasn't been over in a while.”

“Maybe tomorrow we could play chess?”

“Hey, I like your skirt. What? It's kinda cute!”

“Your hair looks pretty when it's straight like that.”

“Tryouts for Junior Tigers cheerleaders are next week. You should come.”

“Of course you can do cheerleading, if that's what you really want.”

“You really don't want to come with me to the library?”

“We're going to the candy store after school with some other girls, if you want to come.”

“What's that girl's name? She's pretty hot.”

“Are you friends with that tall girl? Maybe I could ask her to the sixth-grade dance.”

“We're having a sleepover, and you can come.”

“What boy do you have a crush on?”

“She wants a cell phone. All her friends have one now.”

“You've never been to Abercrombie? Oh my god, c'mon in. You'll love it.”

“If he wanted to ask you to the dance, would you say yes?”

“Let's go on a mother-daughter date to pick out a dress!”

“You're coming dress shopping with us, right?”

“What's your number?”

“Hey, how are you? I haven't seen you in a while.”

“That guy you used to talk to is such a dork. He's kinda cute in a pathetic way.”

“This teacher is a total tyrant.”

“You don't tell me about the cool things you learn in school anymore.”

“You know, all the boys have a crush on you.”

“I'm so glad we're BFFs.”

“You only got a bunch of books for your birthday? That sucks.”

“My mom taught me how to use mascara. I can show you too.”

“What's all that makeup you're ­wearing?”

“Could I see you for a minute? I wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your poetry. Have you thought about joining the young writers' club?”

“You have great enthusiasm when you chant, but your tumbling needs a lot of work.”

“I miss your old friend. How is he doing these days?”

“I think everyone is nominating me for homecoming court. You will too, right?”

“See you at the football game Friday?”

“Yeah. We used to be friends.”

“Your shed is looking lonely these days.”

“Your outfit is perfect. Can I borrow that top?”

“I can't believe we're going to a real party.”

“Oh my god. Did you see this girl's tweet?”

“Do you want a drink?”

•
•
•

“Did you know this was going to ­happen?”

“I heard they're not talking anymore.”

“No one just gets on homecoming court without knowing. I mean, you kinda backstabbed her.”

“It's Friday night. Are you not going out?”

“Don't sit with her. She's a b--ch.”

“I haven't seen her around in weeks. I wonder where she's been.”

“Want to go to the library with me? Just mother and daughter?”

“Hey. What are you doing here? I mean, I haven't seen you here in ages.”

“She's hanging out with him? Wow, that's a downgrade.”

“You know, I didn't forget. Sometimes I think people forgot. Not me.”

“Ever since she stopped hanging out with us, she just got weirder.”

“She's starting a literary magazine. I think it'll be really cool.”

“You are a special kind of smart. Keep impressing me.”

“One day I want to be like her.”

“Let's explore the world ­together. Travel. Maybe for just a little while, or maybe for forever.”

•
•
•

“Those two. They may never come home.”

“Wow. Is this who I think it is? She wrote a book.”

“Maybe your mom can't throw a ball, but she's the smartest person I've ever met.”

“Look at this red book I found in Mom's drawer. I think she wrote it.”