The familiar sense of peace rises inside, and my hands stretch toward the piano. And then I play.
-- Devon (Chapter 1)

Importance: Although school often feels stressful to Devon, he always finds solace in his piano. This quote is important because it shows that art has the power to change lives.

High school is like a kingdom, only instead of temperamental royals, golden thrones, and designer outfits flown in from Europe, the hallways are filled with loud postpubescent teens, the classrooms with rows of wooden desks and students dressed in ugly plaid skirts, navy-colored slacks, and stiff blue blazers.
-- Chiamaka (Chapter 2)

Importance: Chiamaka compares her school to a kingdom. This quote is important because it reveals the way she views life as a hierarchical system.

Most people think the three of us are friends, since we’re almost always seen together. But we’re not friends. Our relationship is a transaction.
-- Chiamaka (Chapter 2)

Importance: Despite being the most popular girl...