“Like children, adolescents need a framework. Otherwise they can't cope...” — Joan Lingard Quote

“Like children, adolescents need a framework. Otherwise they can't cope. When someone has unlimited freedom, it means there's nobody who cares what they're doing.”

“I like writing about teenagers because it's a time of great change and conflict. Up to then, you accept what your parents tell you.”

“When writing about Edinburgh, I place my characters in the parts of the city that I myself have lived in, or else know well, those being the Southside, Marchmont in particular, where I lived as a student, and the New Town/Stockbridge area where I live now and have done for the past 30 years.”

“I was certainly no swan - with my horrendously protruding goofy teeth, bow legs and under-developed, clumsy, boyish, adolescent body. I was never cool, nor confident.”

“For millions of girls around the world, motherhood comes too early. Those who bear children as adolescents suffer higher maternal mortality and morbidity rates, and their children are more likely to die in infancy.”

“I think I can safely say that, as adolescents, most people have excess energy to spare and need adventure, excitement, and a challenge.”