Afraid Quote by Ellen Hopkins
““I hear. Nobody thinks so. But I do. Sometimes people whisper. Sometimes they yell. Sometimes they say mean things. I see more than the TV. It's my friend. I don't have any others, like the kids on Barney do. Why are people afraid of me? I don't want to hurt them. I taste only the sweet air, whooshed through tubes to help me breathe. If I'm lucky a bit of flavor comes with the wind or skin or clothes I smell. I wish my mouth would let me tell Mama I love her. Let me tell Daddy I ms him. Let me tell Shane how good I feel when I see him happy with Alex. I like when I swim because when I float, I am free. I like when I sleep because I dance when I dream. I hear, I see, I taste, I smell, I feel, I dream. ””
About This Quote
Source Book: Crank, Ellen Hopkins, 2004
A child with a disability feels isolated, yearning to communicate love and fear while experiencing the world through heightened senses.
In simple terms: A disabled child wants to be understood and loved.
Key Takeaway
Seek ways to give voice to those who cannot speak.
Themes
isolation
communication
disability
sensory perception
family love
Mood
sad
hopeful
reflective
Type
personal
emotional
advocational
When to use this quote
- school counseling
- family therapy
- special education
- support groups
- advocacy
Key Concepts
neurodiversity
empathy
identity
expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better listen to non‑verbal cues?
- What structures help disabled children express emotions?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize suffering, overlooking practical support needs.
