Attack of the Black Rectangles

But if we want to change the world so it's good for everyone, it's important to talk about the truth.

If you're comfortable learning history, it's the wrong history.

We’re all a mess,” he repeats. “The biggest lie ever told to children is that the adults around them aren’t a mess.

No one is ever just one thing.

I think life is what life is and we just have to try our best.

Why do they treat kids like we don't mean anything?

I cry because the world is a cruel place. I cry because sometimes things don't make sense. I cry because I feel bad for crying.

I love banned books. I used to read as many to you as I could when you were little, Mac.” “You read me banned books?” I say this sarcastically because I know he’s making it up. “Almost exclusively,” he answers—dead serious. “Charlotte’s Web and the poetry book by—uh—Silverstein—uh.” “Where the Sidewalk Ends?” I say. “And Reynolds—brave … uh …” “As Brave as You? No! How could anyone ban that?” “Yeah. And Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia. Remember that one?” “I cried for a whole day.” Mom says, “Where the Wild Things Are. And Tango Makes Three. Melissa.” “Captain Underpants!” Grandad adds. “A lot of younger books you loved. I Am Rosa Parks,” Mom says. “And Last Stop on Market Street and Henry’s Freedom Box, and …” Grandad says, “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry!

Some battles we lose. Some battles we win. But some battles aren't ours to fight.

I try to feel beautiful but I'm keeping too many secrets.

grab my Todoroki sweatshirt from the hall.

Are you really my father?” “Yes.” “So is that even allowed? You, um, having babies with humans?” “No.” “Did you do it so you could be an on-the-ground research assistant?” I ask. “I did it because I was interested in learning about love,” Dad says. “Humans have this pull toward each other. They have the opposite, too, of course. Hate is equally interesting. But I wanted to study love, you see. Then I met your mother.” “And you loved her?” “She loved me,” he says. “I can’t love like humans love.” That stings. “Oh.