There are a number of individuals who proved extremely helpful to me during the process of writing this book. I would especially like to thank Rebecca Mackenzie. A trafficking survivor, Rebecca shared her story, and critiqued my novel, on multiple occasions. She is an advocate who works tirelessly with other survivors as well as the homeless, while maintaining her own family and working full-time in the sciences. Thanks also to Officer Joseph Ryczaj, Narcotics and Vice, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Detective Ryczaj met with me early on my journey and shared contacts and resources. Lastly, I want to thank Paul Lukach of the Crime Victim Center of Erie and Betsy Wiest, the Social Justice Coordinator with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. They each helped me better understand the important role organizations play in helping survivors work through trauma and getting the help they seek and need.
With much gratitude, I want to thank Amanda Lewis, MSSW, Statewide Community Organizer, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA), for her careful reading of the book, and her insights into the world of human trafficking. My love, hugs, and thanks to my daughter, Brittney, and my friends Yolanda Harris, Kathy Payne, and Ty Greenwood. I so appreciate you all reading the manuscript and giving me necessary feedback.
Leah Pileggi, thank you for the title. Leigh Skvarla, you are amazing, thanks. Jennifer Lyons, my agent, well done, my friend, and here’s to a long, successful working relationship together.
Tonya Bolden, what can I say? You have meant so much to me as both an author and a friend. You have been a critique buddy, hand holder, and encourager as I struggled to give birth to novels these last years. Watching you flourish, discussing politics with you, and laughing along the way was much needed medicine—thanks. I am truly grateful for our friendship.
Lastly, I want to give a big, loud thank-you to my Scholastic family. You did an incredible job and I appreciate it. Shout-outs especially to my editor, Andrea Davis Pinkney (you rock in so many ways); VP, creative director Elizabeth Parisi, who created such a powerful cover; editorial assistant Jess Harold; production editor Melissa Schirmer; copy editor Holland Baker; and Lizette Serrano, VP, Educational Marketing, for getting this book into so many hands.