Quotes from Marley Dias

Most girls spend most of their time at school. If real change comes from hearing our voices, it has to start in school, but school is a place where black girls tend to experience microaggressions. Microaggressions are not always obvious, ugly, or terrible things, but they make you feel as though your voice does not matter.

My parents have taught me the value of reading and self-love through books that have characters that look like me and talk like me.

My passion for books has changed my life.

Hillary Clinton is someone who's never waited around for someone else to do the hard work. She's been an organizer and a change-maker for her whole life, practically.

I think the biggest thing, where my passionate-ness comes from, is that I love reading, and it is something that I really care about.

I like NPR's podcasts because I can listen to those on the bus.

I think the biggest thing is that success is not measured by whether or not you're on 'CBS This Morning' or whether or not you make the local news station.

I suggest school buses make stops at local libraries so that children who do not have resources like books at home can get access.

'Star Wars' is my favorite movie series ever. I like the old ones better than the new ones, but I like all of them.

I have some friends who love to perform and wish they were getting the attention I am getting. But that doesn't stop them from supporting me.

Like feminism, I want to create systems and structures for the equity for all people, especially girls and women.

Fashion is very important to me. I dress androgynously - I absolutely despise dresses and skirts and tights - and I started wearing glasses in the third grade.

My goal for the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign is to create systemic change across all school systems. I want there to be diverse books that reflect the lives of every person, regardless of whether or not they are in the majority.

'Marley Dias Gets It Done - And So Can You' is a book about how girls who are 10 and up - and everyone who is 10 and up, basically - can use their gifts and talents to help the world in a way that's unique to them.

I've learned to use big words. Because I'm an avid reader, I can prove myself as a smart and diligent person.

My parents taught me the importance of telling the truth no matter what.

People say, 'Dream big!' - but you have to think about the logistics. It's not just coming up with a great idea; it's how you can sell or market or promote that great idea.

I am purposeful in how I present myself to the world. I want my ideas to be taken seriously, and so I present myself in a way that allows people to see me and listen to what I have to say.

I want other kids to see the joy in reading and literacy and how, if you read about things, they become so much closer, and if you're willing to put in the effort and time and passion, you can really understand them.

I go to Amazon to browse for things I can then go find at the mall. It's like window shopping online. I want to touch the things that I buy. I am the kid who still likes actual books, bookstores, and libraries.

Between school, homework, tests, and play time with my friends, I have worked my butt off to create this space where black girls' stories are read and celebrated in schools and libraries.

When I was really little, I wanted to be our first woman president. I always knew I want to be the kind of grownup who makes people's lives better. And since that's pretty much the job of the President of the United States, it seemed like a good idea.

My health and schoolwork come first. I work hard to get lots of sleep, but I probably work just as hard to spend time with friends.

When I speak at events, I often wear my dad's ties and my mom's earrings. It's a small, almost secret way of having them with me when I'm up there onstage, talking to a roomful of strangers. It makes me feel safe.