Nicole

“Stories help us ready ourselves. For joy, for sorrow, for growth. They teach us empathy. They let us practice being better humans.

Sadly battles over children's access to books have increasingly put librarians and teachers on the front lines. But in the end, locking up books always fails because words have wings. Stories, as Ivan comes to realize, have a way of taking flight one way or another....as long as we have free libraries and dedicated teachers, loving parents, and curious children, I know we'll be okay.”
― Katherine Applegate, The One and Only Family

“Once again, I'm reminded that it's possible to be happy and sad, worried and hopeful, confused and certain, all at the same time.

Especially when you love someone dearly.”
― Katherine Applegate, The One and Only Family

“I have my story. The twins will have theirs.

Stories, it seems to me, are living things. Once you set them free, they're like offspring. They have destinies of their own.

They're no longer your responsibility.

They belong to the world.”
― Katherine Applegate, The One and Only Family

“The new dawn balloons as we free it.
For there is always light,
If only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
― Amanda Gorman