When I first dug into the details of Elon’s life, one story stood out in particular—the time school bullies kicked Elon down a flight of stairs and beat him unconscious. It was a stunning blow for a young boy. And yet, he found the strength to keep going, continue being himself, and connect to a bigger vision for his life. The fact is that we will all face challenges and life events that feel insurmountable and painful. But my wish for you, Dear Reader, is that when you are discouraged, disillusioned, or mistreated—that you never give up. Get up. Tend your wounds. And keep going. The world needs you. Perhaps, like Elon, you’ll also find your refuge in books, in stories that set your gaze on the horizon and all the possibility that exists for your life. There are so many of us cheering you on, excited about what you have to offer this planet (and beyond!).
I have so many people who have rallied around me, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my friends, family, and colleagues. Let me start with my editor, the brilliant Holly West. Thank you, Holly, for trusting me with such an incredible idea and leading the way as we shaped and honed a book that I hope will leave our readers feeling empowered and excited. Thank you. To the entire team at Feiwel & Friends, thank you for your hard work, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for this book. Also, to the team at SpaceX, thank you for your help with this project.
My agent, Ammi-Joan Paquette, is not only talented and one of the hardest-working people I know, but she is also a terrific person and a dear friend. I am grateful beyond words to Joan and the entire Erin Murphy Literary Agency team and Gangos!
My critique partners have been with me through every high and low, every rejection, and every book deal (yay!). To Melanie Ellsworth, Laurie Warchol, Helen Stevens, Darlene Ivy, and Vivian Kirkfield—thank you.
To librarians and teachers everywhere, you quite simply make the world go around. Thank you for your support in getting books about STEM, innovation, and the human stories behind these companies into readers’ hands. Your support is important. And your example of tireless devotion to your students humbles me.
My girlfriends, near and far, are the kind who bring you flowers just because, make you belly laugh, text you nerdy articles, ask you how your writing is going (and then listen through the long, painful answer). They are the kind who pick up your kids, rake snow off your roof, and cheer you on because they really believe in you. I love you all, each and every one. And, Pete, that includes you, too.
To my friend, David Sammarco, thank you for supporting my efforts and lending your expertise to the book. To my brother, Patrick Crowley, it’s been such fun sharing this journey with you. Thank you for your careful and insightful read of this manuscript. And thanks to my sister-in-law, Dr. Lisa Rosenfelt, who is a devoted champion of girls and women in STEM, including those who write about it—lucky me! To Tim and Kelsey Crowley, thank you for your love and support. To my father, James Crowley, thank you for every word of comfort and encouragement—all three trillion of them! To Marianne and David, thank you for never doubting me, ever. To my stepsister, Erica, you are the gift of a lifetime, and I am so grateful for you. To my friend and co-parent, Mike, thank you.
And to two of the most interesting and spectacular creatures on the planet, Crowley and Quinn, a mother could not ask for more. Thank you for your tremendous support. It’s just delightful to watch you follow your own interests and passions. Can’t wait to see where they lead you.
Last but not least, to everyone pushing the limits of technology, science, math, engineering, and physics to solve some of the biggest problems that exist and answer some of the biggest questions humanity faces (and in the process, change the world for the better), thank you. Your work is inspiring the next generation. What a legacy.