Quotes from Gordon Korman

There's always a way," his sister lectured. "We'll need help, though." "What help?" Amy grinned. "Sometimes it doesn't hurt to be a part of the most powerful family in human history.

Dan was suspicious. How did he find out where we were staying? Amy frowned. I think that's the message inside the message. He wants us to know that he has a long reach–that's he's rich and powerful. Like we'll see his giant mansion and assume he works at Burger King, scoffed Dan.

Come on, who saw what happened? I did, I volenteered. Well? Buttwipe wanted to know what jerkface was looking at. I turned turned eyes on the bloody and dirt-smeared brawlers. You were barely 3-inches apart. Couldn't you see that you were both looking at each other? The teacher's face reddened. Who do you think you are? Jerry Seinfeld? You must be confused with another student, I told him. My name is Capricorn Anderson.

Global warming doesn't care what's in your bank account. -Sinead Starling

The key to the city of Florence was about two feet long, and painted a garish gold. Hamilton was fascinated by it. Wow! How big is the lock? Jonah laughed. There is no lock, cuz. It's an honorary gig. Back in my crib in LA, I've got a whole shed full of keys from different cities. Want to know the kicker? I can't get at them. The gardener lost the key to the shed.

Jonah spoke what everyone was thinking. Wouldn't it be Twilight Zone if the door was open, too? Hamilton tried the knob. It didn't budge. Ian stepped forward and examined the lock. Natalie's diary has better security than this. He produced a credit card and slipped it between the latch and the jamb. There was a click, and the door swung wide.

Where's Amy? Ian put in. Will you please get her to call that Evan character? He rings here twenty times a day. He's either the most mule-headed person who ever lived, or he really likes your sister. She has to have mercy on him–on all of us!

Yeah! shouted Jonah, twirling the much larger Hamilton around the restaurant in a victory dance. The other diners watched in amazement. This wild display was hardly the public image of the too-cool-for-school Jonah Wizard. What's the matter? Hamilton challenged. Haven't you ever seen a happy rapper before?

Amy hugged Sinead, and Dan scratched Saladin. Later, Saladin. Take it easy on Kabra. On second thought, don't.

How you are in this place that has been sealed since the time of Caesar Augustus? one of the archaeologists demanded in amazement. I was looking for my sister, Dan quipped. Your sister ? Oh—here she is. Dan reached through the opening and hauled out an equally grubby Amy.

Here's some more stuff we're going to need. 1 pair coveralls 1 extension ladder (30 foot) 1 glass cutter 1 artist's portfolio (large) 1 water pistol 1 bottle india ink 1 portable trampoline (collapsible) 1 bicycle w/basket 4 pizza boxes Jonah whistled. I hope you've got some crazy evil-genius strategy, 'cause–straight up–I don't get it.

Ian sighed wanly. I once had the means to be gaga over art–before I found myself in a country where the standard of beauty is toaster waffles shaped like cartoon characters.

Wonderful. What's the point of throwing a hissy fit without friends and family on hand to hear it? -Amy Cahill

The computer beeped as the upload completed. A moment later, Ian Kabra appeared on the screen. Dan was surprised. Hey, Ian, isn't it, like, two in the morning back there? It's called jet lag, Ian informed him. I'm still on London time. I don't suppose you savages have any tea in this mausoleum. There's a diet Snapple in the fridge. Ian shuddered. I thought not.

I'm starving. When we check into our hotel, let's ask the desk clerk where we can find one of those vast pizzas. What are you talking about? Your guidebook says Florence is a city of vast pizzas. Look it up yourself. Those are vast piazzas , not pizzas! It means public squares! Dan's face fell. Oh. Amy sighed. I honestly thought the clue hunt took the dweeb out of you. No such luck.

The Bombyx mori caterpillar, her brother supplied, thinking of snack time at the Shaolin Temple. It tastes like chicken.

Free food! mumbled Hamilton, his mouth full. No wonder you're rich. You don't have to pay for anything. Since when is it free? Jonah demanded. If I don't leave a big tip, it'll be all over Europe that the Wiz is a cheapskate! They'll seat me behind the sound-man from the penguin movie at the Oscars!

Your pants didn't get smaller, Mommy, I assured her. Your butt got bigger.

Jonah peered critically up at the Renaissance masterpiece. Man, those copies don't due it justice. This one's the truth! Only a Janus, groaned Hamilton.

Dan, this is crazy! Amy quavered. You can't drive a boat! Say's who? It's no different from Xbox! Wham! The port-side rubber bumper at the launch's bow slammed into the end of an ancient cobblestone wharf. The small craft spun like a top, pitching Amy to the deck. Only an iron grip on the wheel saved Dan from a similar spill. He hung on for dear life. Okay, scratch Xbox–think bumper cars! I rock at those! Remember the carnival?

There's always a way, his sister lectured. We'll need help, though. What help? Amy grinned. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to be a part of the most powerful family in human history.

Art theft gave a guy an appetite.

Dan inched closer. Are her eyelids moving? Jonah was on his feet now, cheerleading. Get up, babysitter! Up! Up!

If the cake fits, eat it!