Middle school is like one of those highway restrooms in the middle of nowhere. It's dirty and smelly, and it's crowed with strange people.
-- Ellie (chapter 6 paragraph 8)

Importance: Ellie dislikes change and misses the comfortable elementary school womb. This quote shows her first impression of middle school -- a place of transition.

Average people just give up at the obstacles we face everyday. Scientist fail again and again. Sometimes for our whole lives. But we don't give up because we want to solve the puzzle.
-- Melvin (chapter 8 paragraph 34)

Importance: This quote marks an 'ah ha' moment for Ellie. She likes puzzles, so she begins to see the link between science and herself. And the idea that scientist believe in the possible makes everything click. This is when she decides to help her grandfather retrieve the T. melvinus.

We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed. A few people cried. Most people were silent...
-- A quote from Robert Oppenheimer (chapter 10 paragraph 7)