Press Here

"Ready?
Press here and turn the page."

Marty McGuire

"That nice Mrs. Kramer lied to me about third grade.

On the last day of school, she gave us cupcakes with sprinkles and little beach umbrellas and said have a super-duper summer and she'd wave to us in the hallway next year.  She said third grade would be even more fun than second grade.  She said we'd read bigger books and keep our old friends and make new ones and even get to be in the school play.

None of that is true.  Because Veronica Grace Smithers has stolen my best friend and taken over recess.  I'd call Veronica Grace Princess Bossy-Pants if I were allowed to call people names.

But I'm not.

So I won't."

Freight Train

"A train runs across this track.
Red caboose at the back"

The Westing Game

"Sunset Towers faced east and had no towers.  This glittery, glassy apartment house stood alone on the Lake Michigan shore five stories high.  Five empty stories high."

"Six letters were delivered, just six.  Six appointments were made, and one by one, family by family, talk, talk, talk, Barney Northrup led the tours around and about Sunset Towers."

"Who were these people, these specially selected tenants?  They were mothers and fathers and children.  A dressmaker, a secretary, an inventor, a doctor, a judge.  And, oh yes, one was a bookie, one was a burglar, one was a bomber, and one was a mistake."

If you Give a Mouse a Cookie

"If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk.  When you give him the milk, he'll probably ask you for a straw."

The Littles

"There was a secret look-out place behind the light switch in the hall of the Biggs' house.  One of the screws was missing.  The empty hole was large enough for a Little to look and listen through.  Mr. Little spent all the next day at the look-out place.  Tom Little stayed with him.  They were waiting for the Newcombs."

Clap Your Hands

"Clap your hands, stomp your feet.  Shake your arms, then take a seat."