The characters in this novel are fictional, but it still took a village to raise them. I wanted Izzy, Hogan, Alice, Xander, Noah, and Max to be relatable, recognizable, as real as possible, and that meant research. Lots of research. I am so thankful to my friends and colleagues who were key resources in developing each of these characters.
Thanks especially to:
—my kids, Liam and Marion. Liam, thanks for teaching me all about comics, even if you won’t let me touch them. Marion, thanks for inspiring me with your amazing photography, and for your great shot, used in the last chapter. You guys are MARVELous. (See what I did there?)
—the fabulous gang at the 2014 Carver-Stinson Seaside Writing Workshop, who first met the novel’s characters and gave me the courage to keep going. Thanks to Jocelyne Stone, Gwynn Scheltema, Shannon McFerran, Miriam Koerner, Joyce Major, and Peter Carver, and a special thanks to Kathy Stinson for the insights and feedback in our one-on-one session. I came away from that week with great memories, new friends, fresh ideas, renewed confidence, and a newfound obsession with knitted socks.
—Constable Sean Carroll of the Ottawa Police Service, and Sandra Lemieux of the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, for taking the time to answer my many questions about procedures and resources. Thanks for all you both do to keep our kids safe. You guys are amazing!
—my agent, Marie Campbell, who raises the bar, coaches me over it, and cheers me on. Without you, I’d still be wishing from the sidelines.
—Lynne Missen and her editorial team. Lynne, thanks for all the ways you helped me find these characters’ voices. Thanks especially for believing in mine.
—Vikki VanSickle, for your enthusiasm, encouragement, and especially for helping me become a tweet-gramming fool. Thanks to you, I’ve found a whole new platform to promote my work and embarrass my kids.
—my parents, Peggy and Alan, and my husband, Tony, who always say they want to read my first draft (even if they don’t) and always say it’s good (even if it isn’t). I would never have started writing without your encouragement. And would never have finished it without your mojitos.
And a special thanks to the awesome staff and students at All Saints High School, who inspire me daily. I am honored to share in your stories and grateful for the many ways you enrich mine. In particular, I’d like to thank:
—the All Saints grade 12 Photography class: Lina Akkawi, Savannah Atout, Jessica Box, Max G., Sydney Hill, Emily Hobson, Samuel Inkoom, Ashley Irwin, Jessica Jonas, Justin Kaluski, Kristen Langdon, Kathleen Lebel, Nicholas Lypps, Peter M., Morgan O., Janelle Rowsell, Trisha Santos, Bianca Texeira, Jacob Tynski, Justin Winters, Nathan Yee, and their fabulous teacher, Graham Mastersmith. Thank you for taking on Xander’s photos as a class assignment and for showing us the world through his lens.
—Carolyn Dyer and Jennifer Percival, for your photography support.
—Erin Connolly, for being a fabulous mad scientist and prank imagineer.
—Jenn Scrim and your wonderful group of Educational Assistants in the High Needs Room, whose resources and recommendations helped me come to know Noah’s experience and perspective.
—Cheryl Orzel, Danielle Baillie, and Sydney Dowd, for sharing your amazing insights and profound experiences on DREX trips.
—Wendy MacPhee, Amy Talarico, and Donelda Pleau, for your knowledge, wisdom, and wonderful empathy both inside and outside the Resource Room.
—our amazing Student Services and Administration teams, who patiently answered my countless bizarre questions that began with, “Hypothetically speaking, if a student…”
—every hero that I have journeyed with in my grade 12 Writer’s Craft classes. I’m so glad our stories crossed, even if it was just for one semester. I hope your adventures continue to be epic.
Thanks to you all for being in my village!