dreamland

by Sarah Dessen

One day I took all my pictures and hung them around my room, tacking them to the walls, the mirror, even the ceiling. Then I stood and stared at each of the faces, studying them one at a time. I learned them carefully, aware of every nuance in their expressions. They stared back at me, frozen, but even though I can read their faces, none of them were looking that closely at me. (pg. 185)

Prom

by Laurie Halse Anderson

I got out and leaned against the car. There were a few clouds in the sky. Maybe they had been partying all night, too. Out in the west, towards Pittsburgh, the moon was setting, pulling a couple starts down with it. I like how it was all happening at once, the moon and stars pinking up the sunrise, the whole world spinning around like it was supposed to. (pg. 210)

Girls in Trucks

by Katie Crouch

I watched, hoping she wouldn't come out broken. It's all you can do for people sometimes, no matter how much you love them. (pg. 57)

Handsomest Kitty Ever!

Tell-All

by Chuck Palahniuk

No, none of us seem so very real. We're only supporting characters in the lives of each other. Any real truth, any precious fact will always be lost in a mountain of shattered make-believe. (pg. 179)

Chains

by Laurie Halse Anderson

If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl? And if a girl was to seek her freedom, how could she do such a fool-headed thing? Especially a girl trapped in New York? Best thing would be to break into the desk of a British commander, steal a pass and forge her name and his name on it, and act free. (pg. 272)

The Happiness Project

by Gretchen Rubin

Happy people generally are more forgiving, helpful, and charitable, have better self-control, and are more tolerant of frustration. (pg. 54)