This book would not be here if it wasn’t for the hard work, dedication, and love of many people.

Danielle Chiotti and her team at Upstart Crow Literary for believing in this project and my ability to pull it off. Her advice, creativity, and words of encouragement have helped tremendously at every step in the process and made it all just so much fun.

Leah Hultenschmidt and everyone at Sourcebooks for taking a chance on a first-time author and helping take this book from an idea into a valuable resource for “smart girls” everywhere.

The vegetarian and veg-curious teenagers I interviewed whose stories helped enliven these pages: Sajada Bhuiyan, Brianna Cunneen, Nicole Fegan, Jill Golub, Tori Grant, Alicia Kerr, Alex Lasser-Gold, Sarah Mackenzie, Sophie Martel, Jessie Meyers, Rachel Newman, Jenna Pasternak, Vivian Ponte-Fritz, Jordyn Ramelli, Andie Shapiro, Alexandra Soscia, Grace Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Stephanie Tock, and Krithi Vachaspati.

All of the friends and family who shared stories, brainstormed titles, and jumped up and down when I told them this idea was becoming a real book. A very special thanks to my lovelies who volunteered their professional expertise: Teresa Dumain, Terra Fuhr, Larissa McKenna, and Cynthia Sass. How lucky I am to have them all in my life.

My parents Janet and Michael, who nurtured my love for writing and books, backed me 100 percent when I first experimented with going veg, and taught me by example to pursue a career I am engaged in and passionate about. I adore them both, and forgive them for the couches. Sort of.

Scott, a vegetarian by marriage, who has the courage of my convictions. He simultaneously plays the roles of daydream catcher, sounding board, editor, taste tester, and BFF, and makes me a way better person than I was when he found me.

And finally, to Liliana, whose impending arrival helped me meet the biggest deadline of my life (and kept it in perspective, as I had a far bigger one around the corner), and whose bright eyes remind me every day why I wanted to write a book like this. May she—and all young girls—always feel empowered by her decisions (edible and otherwise), and have the support and tools she needs to thrive.