If you have a girlfriend—when you have a girlfriend—make sure you take care of her just like she takes care of you.

Did everyone think about death practically every day, or was it just me? Did everyone wonder why we existed, and if life was nothing but a fluke?

Natalia, Kahlia and Helen are always saying “Love you!” to each other. They say it at school, at parties, at each other’s houses. They hug all the frickin time, too. Guys, on the other hand, bump fists and every so often hug their moms.

I’ve been thinking back to when I was younger, before I had a clue about benzos or purple drank or even weed. I was so innocent. I wish I could go back and be that dumbshit kid again, naïve and full of hope.

It’s okay if you’re not exactly happy, I think. Maybe you’re on the way to being happy

You know, this technology that we have, and the Internet and Twitter and Facebook - I get so many of those emails that talk about hard times that kids have gone through, how books have helped them, but also happy times.

And books are such an empowering way to give voice to some of these kids who aren't yet ready to tell their story. Or don't know what their story is, or are trying to figure it out.