When we got the idea for the At the Heels of History series, we could only have dreamed of working with a team as skilled and supportive as the one at Margaret K. McElderry Books. Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Ruta Rimas and Nicole Fiorica, whose editorial guidance and advice strengthened and enriched this book, and to illustrator Claire Powell, whose talents brought Filigree’s adventures to life.
A million thanks to the always brilliant Mollie Glick and the team at CAA, with a special shout-out to Emily Westcott, whose early feedback helped us imagine the dogs of Filigree’s world.
Many thanks to Patrick Leehey and Alex Powell at the Paul Revere House for sharing their research and knowledge, and to Chris Kauffman and Sarah McDonough at the Lexington Historical Society. Thank you to Dr. Carla Walter for her insights and guidance on the experience of people of African descent in colonial Massachusetts, and to Nick Grossman and Ruel Mac for detailed information on eighteenth-century guns. Thanks to Dian Bodiford for cat consultation. David Hackett Fischer’s Paul Revere’s Ride was an invaluable resource. Thank you to the Berkeley Public Library and Contra Costa Public Library for the wealth of information within their walls.
We could not have written this book without the guidance and support of our writing partners: Lucy Jane Bledsoe, Michelle Hackel, Mary Mackey, Lisa Riddiough, and Elizabeth Stark. Thank you to Debbie Notkin for helping us successfully navigate the world of coauthoring a creative project.
Pam would like to thank Max and Caspian for their patience and understanding while Mom was busy writing, and her husband, Mehran, and sister, Brenna, for their support and love. Dorothy would like to thank her family and friends for their love, encouragement, and support. None of this happens without all of you. Thank you to the San Francisco Writers’ Grotto and Word of Mouth Bay Area. And, of course, thank you to dogs. You’re all very good dogs.