...when we feel powerless, we stop trying to find a better way.

Books transmit values. They explore our common humanity. What is the message when some children are not represented in those books?

When I began to read, I began to exist

Cutting people out of your life is easy, keeping them in is hard.

We need to tell young people that America was built by men and women of all colors and that the future of this country is dependent on the participation of all of our citizens.

Reading is not optional.

I'll never live to write all the stories I have in my head.

We need to tell kids flat out: reading is not optional.

Think about all the tomorrows of your life.

We all know we should eat right and we should exercise, but reading is treated as if it's this wonderful adjunct.

It's a hard life sometimes and the biggest temptation is to let how hard it is be an excuse to weaken

It feels incredible to be outside when I’m supposed to be inside. The sensation of freedom is intoxicating. - Sara

When every opportunity given to you is used to serve the people, you are on the path of life’s purpose to the fullness.

The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are going.

Never underestimate the staying power of a bad idea.

The great blessing and great cruelty of youth is that there seems to be time enough.

[Written in 1901:] Nothing has been so deplorable for countries as centralization. I am afraid when I see Germany grow so powerful, and centralizing in Berlin; it is the beginning of the end!

I love seeing the fans of the music that I make.

You have to look in the mirror and see yourself. If it feels good, then I know it's for me. I don't dress to be stared at, I dress for myself.

Before I had children I always wondered whether their births would be, for me, like the ultimate in gym class failures. And I discovered instead... that I'd finally found my sport.

A man is sorry to be honest for nothing.