Rules

Some people think they know who you are, when really they don't.

Not everything worth keeping has to be useful.

Just this once, let it be easy.

I wish everyone had the same chances," I say. "Because it stinks a big one that they don't." - Catherine

Most people say if you tell a wish it won't come true. But I don't think wishes work like that. I don't believe there's some bad-tempered wish-fairy with a clipboard, checking off whether or not you've told...But it's a long shot I'll get my wish, so even if there is a fairy in charge of telling, it won't matter. 'I wish everyone had the same chances,' I say. 'Because it stinks a big one that they don't. What about you? What did you wish for?' 'Grape soda.' I can't help smiling. 'You wished for grape soda?' He doesn't answer, and I pull my hand from my pocket. Taking one of his fluttering hands, I wrap his fingers tightly around a dollar. 'Wish granted, toad.' He takes off running and Dad runs after him. I close my eyes and make a new wish. I wish the refreshment stand has grape soda.

Sometimes people don't answer because they didn't hear you, Other times it's because they don't want to hear you!

...choosing words is harder than I thought.

Just because other people think something, that doesn't make it true. Maybe there's some truth in that, but it's unsatisfying, bitter-tasting truth.

No toys in the fish tank

Why can't the world be simpler, like it is for guinea pigs? They only have a few rules: Crying will get you attention. If it fits in your mouth, it's food. Scream if you don't get your share.

It hurts how life goes on, unknowing.

When someone is upset, it’s not a good time to bring up your own problems.

Sometimes I wish someone would invent a pill so David’d wake up one morning without autism, like someone waking from a long coma, and he’d say, “Jeez, Catherine, where have I been?

Not everything worth keeping needs to be useful

When you say something stupid, gloss over it with superfast talking and maybe no one’ll notice.

Cathrine pretty today. I nod, yes it's a very pretty day. Jason touches my arm. Cathrine pretty.

Sometimes people don’t answer because they didn’t hear you. Other times it’s because they don’t want to hear you.

My deepest appreciation to: Everyone at Scholastic Press, especially Marijka Kostiw, Kristina Albertson, Tracy Mack, and Leslie Budnick. Tracey Adams, my wonderful agent. The members of my critique groups, each of whom possess that rare combination of Charlotte the spider: a true friend and a good writer. My retreat-mates who put me on the right track: Franny Billingsley, Toni Buzzeo, Sarah Lamstein, Dana Walrath, Mary Atkinson, Carol Peacock, and Jackie Davies. With special thanks to Amy Butler Greenfield, Nancy Werlin, Amanda Jenkins, Denise Johns, Melissa Wyatt, Lisa Firke, Lisa Harkrader, Laura Weiss, Mary Pearson, Amy McAuley, and Kristina Cliff-Evans. And to my parents, Earl and Elaine Lord, who gave me wings but always left the porch light on to show the way home.

Some people think they know who you are, when really they don’t.

If you say something over and over and over, maybe they’ll give in to shut you up.

If you want to get away with something, don’t announce it first.

No toys in the fish tank.” I

Mom says I have to deal with what is and not to get my hopes up, but how else can hopes go but up?

Low tide smells mud-black and tangy, but high tide smells clean and salty.

Don’t stand in front of the TV when other people are watching it.