Acknowledgments

Writing and publishing a book is part science, part magic. I’m grateful for everyone who helped shape Addie’s journey on Maple Lake.

Special thanks to my agent Katie Grimm, who not only believed in this story, but connected with my mission to continue writing about the magic of nature. Katie, you’ve worked tirelessly on my behalf and provided exceptional guidance; I’m grateful for your wisdom. Thanks also to Cara Bellucci, who read and gave insight.

To Lisa Yoskowitz, the most thorough and thoughtful editor I could hope to have: thank you for breaking your own rule and taking a chance on a sad story. You appreciated what this manuscript already offered, and clearly saw what it needed. Thanks to Hannah Milton, Barbara Perris, Annie McDonnell, and the entire team at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for connecting with Addie and turning The Light in the Lake into a real book. I’m also in awe of the beautiful cover illustration and design by Ji-Hyuk Kim and Karina Granda.

All writers benefit from mentors who believe in them, and the late Vermont author Howard Mosher was mine. He patiently read, gave feedback on, and encouraged me in revising this story. He was not only an inspiring role model for many writers, but also a wonderful neighbor to me. Phillis Mosher, thank you so much for reading and providing support and friendship. I miss you both more than I can say.

 Many other early readers of this book shaped it invaluably. Amy, Cole, and Quintin Janssens, I appreciated your wise and loving feedback. Nicole Goldstein, you are the world’s most responsive, helpful critique partner. Rose Daigle, your enjoyment of the story helped me believe it was worth telling, and I relied on your ideas to make it better. Leslie Rivver, Liz Greenberg, and Lisa Higgins, thank you for providing such helpful suggestions and support. Zoe Strickland and Jeni Chappelle, I’m grateful for your excellent editorial feedback. Taryn Albright, thanks for your early confidence. Jim and Nancy Rodgers, your bed-and-breakfast in West Glover, Vermont, was a lovely place to write. The Vermont College of Fine Arts’ Writing Novels for Young People Retreat run by Sarah Aronson gave an enduring gift of creativity and knowledge.

Judy Lin, thank you for reading and bringing your extensive expertise to my characters. I’m very grateful for your help.

Two issues that fuel this story—water quality and farming—are rooted in places I love. Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, where I used to live, has a big piece of my heart and always will. This book would not exist without it. I’m originally from Michigan, the Great Lakes State, so living near and playing in the water is a way of life for me. We are all affected by water quality, whether we live in an urban, rural, or suburban environment, and everyone bears a responsibility to help keep our waterways clean. If you’re interested in learning more, one great step you can take is to investigate your local watershed. Start with the National Environmental Education Foundation’s Watershed Sleuth Challenge at neefusa.org/watershed-sleuth.

As much as I care about conservation, I’m not a scientist. Therefore, special thanks go to Dr. Kris Stepenuck, Extension Assistant Professor of Watershed Science, Policy and Education at the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, for reading the scientific portions of this book and giving me so much information about phosphorus, watersheds, ancient oceans, and more. Thanks also to Ralph Tursini, Forest Lands Manager and Facility Coordinator, for providing clarity about forest management. I appreciate Laurie Carr, science teacher extraordinaire, who let me discuss my story with her class at Lake Region Union High School.

My grandparents Aaron and Irene Reinhard were dairy farmers. Their dedication to caring for animals and land made a significant impression on me, and I wrote more short stories than I can count in their farmhouse. I’m grateful to my father, Donnie Reinhard, for drawing on his own experience raising prizewinning 4-H calves to verify the accuracy of Liza’s; and to my mother, Sharon Reinhard, who patiently listened to the whole book read aloud. I also appreciate the help of Megan Webster and Jim Dam, who generously shared their experience and knowledge about dairy farming, and read portions of this book.

I couldn’t have written much at all without the support of my wonderful husband, Matthew, who always said “Of course” when I needed a day of drafting or editing, and who never stopped believing in me, even when I wanted to. I’m ever grateful for our two amazing children, Aaron and Joan, who inspire me daily, and remind me why I write in the first place.