I was the nine-year-old who killed a baby. Allegedly.”
-- Mary (chapter 1)

Importance: The statement is meant to make the reader believe that Mary is innocent, and the author is very successful in creating that doubt, especially by providing limited information along the way.

Thinking that everything will turn around with the snap of a finger and we'll live happily ever after. Sweet, but unrealistic. Some of these girls still use their fingers to count.”
-- Mary (chapter 2)

Importance: This is one of many examples of how Mary sees herself as different from the other girls in the group home, and she is right in some ways. She is much smarter than most of them, which is unbelievable considering the life she has led. She knows that the only way to change her circumstances is to change the verdict against her so that people believe she is innocent and to get an education.

New kids always think this...
-- Mary (chapter 5)