“I write books primarily to entertain readers. I like to imagine them gasping in a thrilling moment, or cracking up at the funny parts. My books are the kind that anybody can enjoy. But, while anybody can enjoy them, they're not about generic avatars; my books are about Black kids. They may be in strange situations, or have talents you don't expect, but they are Black. They're the characters I was advised not to write. The characters I was told no one would read. The characters I always wanted to read. So the most interesting thing about me might be how stubborn I am because while I'm here to entertain I'm also here to prove wrong the people who said it couldn't--or worse, shouldn't--be done.“ - Lamar Giles