“You'd think that a redheaded boy with glasses who was named Howard and had an up-down walk would have a lot more to wish for than being friends with me. But I admit I felt a smile on my face and hope in my heart, 'cause maybe wishes really do come true. Maybe some wishes just take longer than others.” HopeWishFriendsSouthernFriendWishes Book:Wish Source: Wish
“On the line beside Describe your family, I wrote, "Bad." What is your favorite subject in school? "None." List three of your favorite activities. "Soccer, ballet, and fighting." Two of those favorite activities were lies but one of them was the truth. I am fond of fighting.” SchoolFightingFamilySarcasm Book:Wish Source: Wish
“When it was time for me to leave, I thanked Mrs. Odom, climbed on Lenny’s bike, and set off for home. As I pedaled up the road, I turned and glanced back at the Odoms’ house. I remembered that first day on the school bus when I had seen it and thought it was so sad-looking. Then I pictured all those boys in that little kitchen getting loved on by their mama and that house didn’t look one bit sad anymore.” LoveHomeHappinessJoyFamilyCommunionSharing Book:Wish Source: Wish
“Bertha knelt in front of me and took both my hands in hers and said, “Your mama loves you very much, Charlie. But sometimes, she just loses her way.” Loses her way? I’d be happy to draw her a map to show her the way back to being my mama again.” LoveChildrenCompassionFamilyForgivenessBetrayalParenthoodFidelityAloneness Book:Wish Source: Wish
“And then she got a bad, bad feeling because she realized she had been wrong. You can fool a person. You can fool a dog. You can fool a cat or a horse or a teacher or a friend. But you cannot ever fool a heart.” HeartMotelSmoky MountainsBarbara O ConnorGreetings From Nowhere Book:Greetings from Nowhere Source: Greetings from Nowhere