At its heart, this is a book about bravery. And so I must thank the numerous women and girls who have inspired me with their courage. In particular, thank you to my mother—a more passionate, creative, and loving person does not exist.
Thank you to my clever and perpetually game editor, Navah Wolfe. Thank you to Justin Chanda, Lizzy Bromley, Valeria Shea, and the entire Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers team.
Thank you to my wise, creative, and classy agent, Brianne Johnson of Writers House.
Thank you, CB; I still believe.
Thank you to my aunt and uncle, Toni and Al, for their support and encouragement. Thank you to my friends Melissa, Tika, and Andrea for their steadfast support. Thank you to Greg and Jamie for getting it (for getting everything) and being family.
Thank you to my mother and father for teaching me that I am brave and of consequence. Thank you to my sister, Elizabeth, the grandest woman I know. Thank you to my little brother and golf champion of the world, Andrew.
And a profound thank you to my husband, Joe. Thank you for being whip-smart, damn handsome, superlatively kind, and the best partner anyone could have. This book is yours. What a marvelous life. Thank you.