“Lately I’d been wondering what piece Mum took with her when she died, and I’d been thinking about the Winnie I would have been if she hadn’t.” DeathLossGriefDyingComing Of AgeGrief And LossMumMiddle GradeLoss Of A Parent Book:The Year the Maps Changed Source: The Year the Maps Changed
“Anika had the door halfway closed, but she paused at my question. ‘My mum used to say that you have two hands: one to help yourself, and one to help others. So yes, I think it’s a good thing.’ Then she sighed. ‘Though sometimes I wonder if the hand we use to help others moves a bit slower and with a little less purpose than the one we use to help ourselves.’ And with that, she closed the door.” GivingHelpingHandsKindnessHelping OthersComing Of AgeMiddle GradeLesson Book:The Year the Maps Changed Source: The Year the Maps Changed
“And I suddenly feel like Pinocchio after he’s been swallowed; dome roof with curved steel beams like a whale’s ribs, the moon and Milky Way right there at the yawning shutter of its mouth.” StarsObservatoryMilky WayPinocchioSpace Observatory Book:Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology Source: Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology
“I was eleven when everything started and twelve by the end. But that’s another way that maps don’t tell the whole truth – because it felt like the distance I travelled was a lot further than that.” TruthKidsGrowing UpTravelDistanceMapsComing Of AgeElevenMiddle GradeMap Book:The Year the Maps Changed Source: The Year the Maps Changed
“Maps lie. Or at least, they don’t always tell the truth. They’re like us humans that way.” HumansTruthLyingGrowing UpComing Of AgeLieGeographyMiddle GradeMappingMaps Of Fictional Places Book:The Year the Maps Changed Source: The Year the Maps Changed
“I don’t know if I can put it into words just yet, this feeling like something’s ending and I have to be close to it.” FamilyGoodbyeFeelingSiblingsEndingCloseBrother Sister Book:Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology Source: Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology