Bringing a book into the world can be overwhelming but I was lucky to have many people help make this dream come true.
Forever grateful to Beth Phelan, the creator of #DVpit. Who knew my road to publication would begin with a tweet? Beth, I love how you put action behind your words and you should be so proud of the books that have been published because of your passion.
To my agent, Victoria Marini, I’m so thankful for your belief in me. From the beginning, you saw my potential and had the confidence that I was capable of revising this story into its best form. I appreciate all of your support.
Thank you to the Simon & Schuster BFYR team and everyone who helped turn my story into a real, physical book. To my acquiring editor, Mekisha Telfer, who was the first champion of my story and for my editor Krista Vitola, who led me down the path to a deeper story and helped give this story a stronger heartbeat.
One of the best things about my journey to publication is meeting the other writers who I’ve come to know and cherish. Hugs and kisses to my Team Marini crew: Dhonielle Clayton, Sona Charaipotra, Claire Legrand, Bethany C. Morrow, Hanna Alkaf, Margaret Owen, Anna Meriano, Elsie Chapman, Zoraida Córdova, and Ida Olson.
So much love to the writer friends who gave me support and advice: Roselle Lim, Meredith Ireland, Isabel Sterling, Jennifer Dugan, Nafiza Azad, Aminah Mae Safi, Patrice Caldwell, Samira Ahmed, Sandhya Menon, Gloria Chao, Karuna Riazi, Olugbenmisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Kelly Starling Lyons, Linda Williams Jackson, Lisa Moore Ramée, Natasha Diaz, Rebecca Barrow, Mark Oshiro, Kat Cho, Claribel Ortega, Kosoko Jackson, Justin A. Reynolds, S.A. Chakraborty, J. Zeynab Joukhadar, Laura Pohl, Ryan La Sala, Nicole Melleby, Nova Ren Suma, Julie C. Dao, Yamile Mendez, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Heather McCorkle, Julie Falatko, Tamara Ireland Stone, Justine Larbalestier, Karen M. McManus, Heidi Heilig, Janae Marks, Paula Chase, Vicky Alvear Shecter, Elisbeth Norton, and Phalia McCorckle-Kester.
For my first writing mentor, Carol Lee Lorenzo, who ignited the spark for this book with a writing exercise at the Callonwolde Arts Center.
To my mother, who taught me that anything is possible with focus and dedication. Your passion for public libraries and books were the reasons I fell in love with words. I hope that you’re proud of me.
To my father, who told me that being smart was an asset and not a liability. You led me into the fascinating world of science and technology. I miss you every day, but I know you’re still rooting for me and will always remain my biggest fan.