Acknowledgments

One evening in the 1970s, my mother and I looked out the living room windows as a mysterious oval object surrounded with lights hovered above us in the sky. I thought for sure we’d seen a UFO. It turned out to be the Goodyear Blimp. By the time I found out the truth, it was too late. The “what-ifs” had already entered my mind. While The Backyard Secrets of Danny Wexler is a work of fiction, many of the scenes and snippets of conversations were pulled directly from my own childhood—including my possible UFO sighting, the factory that exploded several miles away and shook my house, and the one memorable Friday before spring break when my elementary school principal, whom I adored and trusted, did indeed say, “Watch out for the motorists,” even though my second-grade ears heard “Watch out for the murderist.” There were also moments of anti-Semitism and bullying, both in school and out. I grew up in a town with a strong Jewish community, but we were not immune.

These memories provided an abundance of inspiration. However, this book would not exist without the endless support of many friends, family, colleagues, and early readers.

To my “Weggie Writers”—Donna Galanti, Tori Bond, Janice Bashman, Kathryn Craft, Kate Brandes, Linda Wisniewski, Dana Schwartz, and Lisa Papp—thank you for your wisdom, laughs, inspiration, and friendship. I am forever indebted to Donna Galanti, who one snowy day mentioned a childhood piano teacher with hairy hands. I feel compelled to mention he was not a white van werewolf alien kidnapper, but he did weave his way into my imagination.

To Sarah Clayville, my trusted critique partner and good friend, I would be truly lost without your critical eyes, remarkable talent, and kind soul. You’ve been with Danny’s story from start to finish, and I can’t thank you enough for the countless times you’ve read through chapter revisions, each time with enthusiasm and integrity. I’m so grateful.

I’m also truly blessed to have the world’s greatest cheerleaders in my three children, Joshua, Sarah, and Cole. My heart overflows with love for you. Thank you also to my parents and other wonderful family, whom I love so much. Thanks to my grandmother, who I’m sure would be filled with joy to know her rolled cabbage recipe inspired part of the story. And to Tim, thank you for reminding me to find happiness every day.

This book certainly would not be here without the help and encouragement of my agent, Barbara Krasner, and the team at Kar-Ben and Lerner Publishing. I’m also so appreciative to the early readers, both young and grown, at PJ Library and PJ Our Way for their invaluable feedback and desire to help my story come to life.

Finally, thank you, readers, for allowing me to share my story with you. While the book takes place in the past, anti-Semitism is still very much a part of our present. Together, we can make a difference.