So many thanks go to my current and past agents, Kate Testerman and Brianne Johnson, who have both worked with me in different capacities to help this book enter into the world. Massive gratitude also goes to my editor, Kat Brzozowski, whose enthusiasm, kindness, and super-duper speed constantly reassured me that Veronica was understood, appreciated, and in such good hands.
A huge thank-you also to Jean Feiwel, Rachel Diebel, Melissa Zar, Kelsey Marrujo, Celeste Cass, Kathy Wielgosz, and the rest of the staff at Feiwel & Friends. I am forever grateful to be part of such a wonderful publishing house and imprint.
Cover designer Liz Dresner and cover artist Julie McLaughlin created the most gorgeous art I could imagine— I stared in awe when I first opened up my email and saw that starry sky. Thank you for bringing Veronica’s world to life in such gorgeous lines and color.
Thanks to early readers of this book, including Pam Styles and Cory Eckert, who helped me with details about addiction, treatment centers, and alcoholism. Your honesty and guidance were essential to this process.
Thank you to my parents and in-laws, and to Jena DiPinto and Kate Averett, who are there for me every step of the way, every hour of the day. You are truly both best friends and sisters. To my friends, who prop me up when I feel self-doubt, make me laugh, and rail against the world with me—another thank-you goes to Sarah Linskey, Joan Powers, Heidi Carrington Heath, Monica Lundberg, Sarah Fink, Liz Clancy, Julie Clancy, Kelly Hager, Michelle Nadeau, Katrina Munichiello, Martha Crannell, and the Buttery Soft Librarians. You girls are the best part of the Internet.
Thank you to my writer friends, who understand how weird and wonderful this career is—Chris Baron, Rachel Simon, Katherine Applegate, Nicole Lesperance, Katherine Welsh, Chris Clark, Ali Standish, and all those I forgot here but still remember. To the teachers who have reached out and included me and shared my books—Nicole Mancini, Sandy Otto, Claire O’Neill, Allison Straker, Debbie Myers, Caitlin O’Connor, and Cassie Thomas, your students are so lucky.
I’m also sending a warm hug and all my love out to all the kids struggling with a parent who is dealing with alcoholism. You are brave and strong, and I am so proud of you.
To the ones dealing with addiction. Thank you for continuing to fight this battle.
To my family. There are no words to express how much I love and like and adore you all. Brian, you have never given up on me and make me feel special, talented, and enough every single day. Ellie and Lucy, being your mom is the best thing that I could ever be. I love you to the moon and back infinity times.
Last but never least, to my readers. To the kids, adults, librarians, and teachers who have read my books and told me how much my stories have touched their hearts. To the lovers of words who spread that love around. To the reluctant and the enthusiastic readers. Thank you all.