" My brother says I don't talk enough so he hoped this notebook would give me a place to put my thoughts. Every now and then, I dress my thoughts in the clothing of a poem. Try to figure out if my world changes once I set down these words.

This was the first time someone gave me a place to collect my thoughts. In some ways, it seemed like he was saying that my thoughts were important. From that day forward I've written every single day. Sometimes it seems like writing is the only way I keep from hurting. "

― Elizabeth Acevedo , The Poet X