Quotes from Ann M. Martin

I don't care what it was. What if that happens tonight? What if the Home Underground collapses on the Lost Boys? What if the nursery set falls over? I don't want to be responsible for killing Kristy.

I followed Margo into the kitchen. "I want some friddiggity for dessert." she announced. "What's friddiggity?" Mom asked. "Dog diggity fridge," Claire replied. Dad spun around. "The dog's in the fridge?" As Byron fell off his chair in hysterics, Adam yanked open the refrigerator and gasped. "Pow's frozen solid!" Poor Claire turned bone-white.

Sure. Waffles are fine. How come you didn't ask me what I wanted?" "I'm asking you now." "They're fine," Janine said again. Sighing, she turned back to the computer. I stuck my tongue out at her and ran downstairs. "Waffles are fine!" I told Mimi.

Kristy and the Dirty Diapers

I, Mallory Pike, am Eldest Monkey.

I wondered what being the only black student in your grade would feel like. I guessed it would feel no different from being the only anything in your grade. I was the only one in our grade with seven brothers and sisters, including 10-year-old triplets. But I knew that wasn't quite the same. The kids couldn't tell that just by looking at me, but Jessica's coffee-colored skin was there for the world to see.

trust you are prepared for it, both financially and phy—" "We're all set," I said, cutting Janine off.

And yay for the Sitter of the Month!

People?" Claire burst out laughing. "Silly, we're not canimals.

Lamb stew, lamb stew. Start with some herbs, then chop up the ewe.

And we all started laughing again.

It was one of the best nights of my life.

Janine took a large bite of waffle. "The usual," she replied. "School." "You are enjoying your computer studies?" "Oh, immensely," said Janine. "Programming is so logical. And once you master the basics, it can be … um …" "Boring?" I suggested. "Thrilling." Janine gave me a dirty look.

They were much, much safer.

I hung up the phone and waited for my best friend to come over.

People kept looking at Janine and then looking at me. I could just tell they were all thinking, I can't believe you're sisters. Then they would ignore me and congratulate Janine.

four E's on my report card this term and he didn't even care.

However, I knew Mimi would want me to play, so I agreed to.

Did I ever tell you I was on TV once? Yup. I was in fifth grade, and a local news team came to cover a hurricane that blew a tree into our school. I was the girl crossing her eyes behind the newscaster, just to the left. (I saved the tape. I play

Well, to make a long story short, I had this long talk with my baseball coach. And I started reading about depression. I learned that it can be serious. You shouldn't ignore it. Talking about it can help. So can a long trip.

No, but I want them — so we can write to each other. And so I can maybe call you from time to time. Watson would let me, I think. You could tell me about your grandsons." Mr. Staples looked thoughtful. "Zach is just your age," he said.

Sea City, here we come!

Did I ever tell you I was on TV once? Yup. I was in fifth grade, and a local news team came to cover a hurricane that blew a tree into our school. I was the girl crossing her eyes behind the newscaster, just to the left. (I saved the tape. I play it, oh, twice a month. I think it shows real talent.)

Stoneybrook, Connecticut.