"It was kind of a funny feeling having a last name all of a sudden after nine years of not having one. But now I was thirteen and I'd gotten used to it."
Chap. 1, p. 3

"The British generals figure if they don't treat us too hard we'll come onto their side. Some black folks say there ain't much sense in fighting for the Americans when most likely they'll keep black folks slaves if they win."
Chap. 1, p. 9

"I wondered if those legs disappearing over the wall was the last I'd ever see of him."
Chap. 2, p. 21

"The shouting and the killing went on and on, and I crouched there on the platform with my eyes closed, crying and moaning and waiting to be killed."
Chap. 3, p. 31

"Finally I realized that I couldn't go on crying forever, I had to do something, so I wiped my face on my...