How could I explain to Chloe that I wanted rules and homework and standardized testing? I wanted to be challenged. I wanted to be around people who cared about math and structure and results.
-- Ava (Chapter 1)

Importance: Ava wants to go to Billy Hughes because it offers a more academic environment than her public school. She does not know that it will be a perfect match, but she hopes that she will be able to find a place she fits in so that she will have a better sense of who she is.

I never wore pink. Pink wasn’t cool. Pink wasn’t existential. Pink was for princesses and ballet shoes and glittery fairies. When I was five, I only wore pink. Pink everything, from my undies to my socks to my little frilly dresses to my Flik Flak watch. I refused to wear any other color. Not now.
-- Ava (Chapter 1)

Importance: Ava's favorite color...