Oh, to be given the gifts/ of the chameleon!
-- Maya (n/a)

Importance: Chameleons change colors. It is appropriate that these words begin the novel and give the readers a taste of what they are about to encounter. There will be deception, hard feelings, and the struggle to accept oneself rather than merely blending in and going with the flow to fit in. There will also be a challenge to see things from more than one perspective. The appearance of being all good or all bad is not necessarily reality. Thus, Ariel will have to struggle to see things from other points of view.

Two whole summers, one complete/ grade, well, that’s a record, and/ I’m praying I can finish my junior/ year here, too.
-- Ariel (Ariel)

Importance: Ariel’s entire life requires chameleon-like abilities. She and her Dad are constantly moving around, never staying in the same place for long. However, they have seemed...