Deborah Ellis Quotes

Powerful Deborah Ellis for Daily Growth

About Deborah Ellis

Deborah Ellis is a renowned Canadian children's author, noted for her commitment to exploring social issues in her work. Born on May 25, 1957, in Montreal, Quebec, Ellis spent much of her childhood traveling due to her parents' work with the United Nations. This nomadic upbringing instilled in her a deep understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and communities. Ellis's writing career began in earnest when she co-founded the feminist theatre group, "Theatresauce," in 1980. Her theatrical experiences provided valuable insights into storytelling and character development, skills that would later prove instrumental in her literary career. In the 1990s, Ellis transitioned from theatre to children's literature. Her debut novel, "The Breadwinner," published in 1994, was inspired by a trip she took to Afghanistan. The book tells the story of Parvana, a young girl who must disguise herself as a boy to support her family after the Taliban take over Kabul. "The Breadwinner" became an international bestseller and won numerous awards, including the Governor General's Literary Award in 1994. Ellis followed this success with a series of books that delve into social issues such as child labor, homelessness, and discrimination against women. Notable works include "The Moving Parts" (1997), about a teenage girl living on the streets of Toronto, and "Uprootbed" (2003), which explores the struggles faced by indigenous people in Canada. Through her compelling and thought-provoking narratives, Deborah Ellis continues to inspire young readers to engage with global issues and empathize with those who are often marginalized or overlooked.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The things that make me different are the things that make me."

This quote emphasizes individuality, suggesting that the unique qualities, experiences, and characteristics that set a person apart from others are what truly define them. It encourages embracing our differences rather than trying to fit into societal norms or conform to expectations, fostering a mindset of self-acceptance, authenticity, and self-love.

"I believe it's never too late to change the story you're living in."

The quote underscores the power of personal transformation and the ability to rewrite one's life narrative. It suggests that no matter the circumstances or challenges faced, it is always possible to take control of one's own destiny and make positive changes towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life. In essence, it encourages us to never give up hope, and reminds us that we have the power to change our story, regardless of when we choose to start.

"If we can learn to listen with our hearts as well as our ears, then everyone has a story worth hearing."

This quote by Deborah Ellis emphasizes the importance of empathy in communication. When we listen not just with our ears but also with our hearts, we open ourselves up to understanding others deeply, beyond their words or actions. By fostering this kind of emotional connection, we create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, allowing for the sharing of stories that might otherwise go unheard. This is significant because every individual has a unique perspective, and these perspectives, if shared, can enrich our collective understanding and foster empathy and compassion in ourselves and others.

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'"

This quote by Deborah Ellis emphasizes that courage isn't always about grand gestures or dramatic acts, but also about persistence and resilience in the face of adversity. It suggests that true courage can be found in the quiet determination to keep trying, even when progress seems slow or discouraging. This quiet voice at the end of the day is a testament to one's inner strength, which propels them forward toward their goals despite setbacks and difficulties. In other words, it encourages us all to have faith in our abilities and not give up, no matter how challenging the journey may be.

"Stories have the power to change the world. They open our eyes to other people's lives, and they remind us that we are not alone."

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of stories in fostering empathy and understanding among individuals, thereby promoting unity and connection across diverse communities. Stories serve as windows into different realities, allowing us to explore and learn about the lives of others. They affirm our shared humanity by reminding us that despite our differences, we all experience life's trials and triumphs. In doing so, stories empower us by offering hope, inspiration, and a sense of belonging in the global tapestry of existence.

In refugee camps around the world, I met people who were gone. They were still walking around but had lost so much that they were unable to claim any sort of identity. Others I met found who they truly were, and they generally found it through service to others. They became teachers when there was no school, books or pencils.

- Deborah Ellis

Through, Had, Became, Pencils

When the Taliban took over in 1996, the news of their crimes hit the Toronto papers. As a feminist and as an anti-war activist, I heard about what was happening to women, and I wanted to do something to support those folks.

- Deborah Ellis

News, Over, Activist, Anti-War

We never know who we are going to be until we are tested, but perhaps we can test ourselves without going to the extremes of war. Perhaps we can be kinder now, live with less now, reach out to others now - and build an inner reserve of a strong identity that will hold us up even when everything else falls away.

- Deborah Ellis

Strong, Away, Tested, Reserve

I think most people, no matter what their situation, manage to find joy and comfort in their daily lives. I also think things fall apart.

- Deborah Ellis

Think, I Think, Lives, Daily Lives

While the war in Iraq was raging, I spent some time in neighbouring Jordan, meeting with Iraqi refugees who fled their country to try to find some place of safety. I interviewed many families about what had happened to them and what they did as a result.

- Deborah Ellis

Country, Some, Refugees, Jordan

As a woman in Canada, I get to do whatever I want to do, and I'm used to that. I'm used to not having my government tell me my life is going to be restricted because I'm female.

- Deborah Ellis

Woman, My Life, Having, Restricted

I was really bored, pretty antisocial, and not much of a joiner, and people thought that was a problem. I hated high school. In a way, it was good... I think, for a writer, it's good to be comfortable with being on the outside.

- Deborah Ellis

Think, Pretty, I Think, Bored

One of the things that has really hit home for me is that the world is how we decide it is going to be. Very few things just happen. They grow out of history, and they grow out of the present, and the more we can get a sense of how our actions lead into other actions in the future, hopefully we'll learn to make better decisions.

- Deborah Ellis

Other, Decide, Very, Decisions

If I'm going to be a pessimist, then I should just stop writing for young people because that's too heavy a burden to put on young readers. But also, I get to meet with people who have waded through horrible things, and they get up every morning, and they try to do their best.

- Deborah Ellis

Through, Horrible Things, Readers

We owe it to our children to be honest about the world and to provide them with material written specially for them.

- Deborah Ellis

World, Provide, Material, To Be Honest

There's a big thing in Canada that parents need to talk to their children about drugs and sex. I don't think talking to your kids about war is any less important than that.

- Deborah Ellis

Think, Big, Need, Big Thing

You have to see the human being in the enemy. If there is potential for change, there is still hope.

- Deborah Ellis

See, Human Being, Still, Potential

In 'Off to War, Voices of Soldier's Children,' kids from Canada and the United States talk about what it is like when their mother or father goes off to war - and comes home again.

- Deborah Ellis

United, Like, United States, Canada

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