When I sit and talk with a person, I'm not always paying attention. I'm looking at the person and saying, 'What is it about his or her life that appeals to me? — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share Image
I loved teaching. It was my world. I only left because I was overwhelmed with three careers - teaching, writing, and my family. — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
“You're going to be something, you and that language you speak on paper.” — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
The reasons kids get into trouble in one way or another is because - Who ever told them they were special? — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
“I want to see children curled up with books, finding an awareness of themselves as they discover other people's thoughts.” — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
To me, family is everything. I want children to realize how important their families are and what a support system a family is. — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
All of my books are based in some way on my personal experiences, or the experiences of members of my family, or the stories… — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
I myself was terrified during the Second World War. The war started when I was six, and I was so sure that we were… — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
What I think of sometimes, as I read the new books - do kids really need to see such a seamy side of life?… — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
Outside of family, writing is essential. To me, it's like breathing. — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
“Don't be silly,” Linda said. “Emily knew all the time.” Emily pulled an old flowerpot out of her way. “Let's look for the box,”… — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
Sometimes when I visit schools, kids will interview me for the school newspaper. They ask me questions and my answers tend to go on… — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
“The stakes are high. One sound before we escape and we’re stuck with our five-year-old brother, Steadman, for the rest of the morning. Steadman… — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
“I don't really read as much but I am reading a depressing book on the Holocaust…” — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
What inspired me to become an author? I think it was the snow in New York. I looked out the window and I said,… — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
I have no special talent, you know. I never took a writing course before I began to write. — Patricia Reilly Giff Copy Share
