On Hollis's feelings of loneliness and isolation:
* "Hollis was a kind of chameleon. She could blend in, be invisible, and she usually did. But when she had to be herself, she was scared, and she was lonely." (Page 1)
* "She was a nomad, she told herself. She didn’t have a place to belong, a place to call home." (Page 8)
* "It was like she was in a movie and nobody noticed her, not even the camera." (Page 37)
On Hollis's artistic expression and coping mechanisms:
* "She didn’t know how to write stories, but she could draw them. And she could draw them better than anyone else she knew." (Page 5)
* "It was her secret weapon. She didn’t have to talk if she didn’t want to, just draw." (Page 11)
* "When she had to escape, she would draw. The drawing became her refuge. She was safe in the world of her own making." (Page 30)
On Hollis's relationship with her foster parents:
* "She knew they loved her. They had given her a home, and they were trying hard to make her happy. But she didn’t feel happy. She felt lost." (Page 23)
* "They were good people, Hollis knew that. But they weren’t her real family." (Page 45)
* "They were the kind of people who tried to make everyone happy, even if it meant they had to give up some of their own happiness." (Page 55)
On Hollis's connection with Josie and her newfound family:
* "Josie wasn’t just her teacher. She was her friend, her confidant, her protector." (Page 78)
* "For the first time in her life, she felt like she belonged." (Page 98)
* "She was a part of their lives, a part of their family. And she didn’t have to be invisible anymore." (Page 114)
On the importance of family and finding your place:
* "Sometimes, the people you least expect are the ones who love you the most." (Page 92)
* "Home wasn’t just a place. It was a feeling. It was being loved and accepted for who you are." (Page 107)
* "You don’t have to be perfect to belong. You just have to be yourself." (Page 122)
These are just a few of the many impactful quotes from "Pictures of Hollis Woods." Each one offers a glimpse into the character of Hollis, her struggles, and her ultimate journey to find a sense of belonging.