“Young people don’t always do what they’re told, but if they can pull it off and do something wonderful, sometimes they escape punishment.”

Think positive girl, or the world ends.

I think I write for reluctant readers. Of course I want everyone to enjoy my books, but if the kids in the back row who normally don’t pick up a book are engaged with what I’m writing, along with the kids who are big readers anyway, then I really feel like I’ve done my job.

Never bet against a cat.

Great victory requires great risk. -Hera

The most dangerous flaws are those which are good in moderation.

Frank stared at him. “Unfair? You can breathe underwater and blow up glaciers and summon freaking hurricanes-and it’s unfair that I can be an elephant?” Percy considered. “Okay. I guess you got a point. But the next time I say you’re totally beast-” “Just shut up,” Frank said. “Please.” Percy cracked a smile.

Like some helpful person (hi, Mom) has tried to “‘clean'” it, and suddenly you can’t find anything?

A giant vulture with a girl hanging from its feet tends to attract attention.

Whathat!” Tyson gasped. “Those are the stables for the pegasi,” I replied, “You know, winged horses?” “Whasthat!” “Um… those are the toilets.

We were just looking at maps.

We choose to believe in Ma’at. We create order out of chaos, beauty out of ugly randomness. That’s what Egypt is all about.

Be careful of love. It’ll twist your brain around and leave you thinking up is down and right is wrong.

Sometimes, it takes us a while to appreciate something new, something that might change us for the better.

For what it’s worth: trust your feelings. I can’t promise that you’ll never get hurt again, but I can promise you the risk is worth it.

With great power… comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.

You do know how to play pinochle?” Mr. D eyed me suspiciously. “I’m afraid not,” I said. “I’m afraid not, sir,” he said. “Well,” he told me, “it is, along with gladiator fighting and Pac-Man, one of the greatest games ever invented by humans. I would expect all civilized young men to know the rules.