My gratitude to the folks who inspired this story—the family members who have passed on and the characters I “met” through the magic of writing.
For excellent guidance and immense encouragement, I thank Judy Hyde, and also Laura Manivong, Elizabeth Bunce, Sue Gallion, Anola Pickett, Judy Schuler, Tessa Elwood, Victoria Dixon, and all the talented members of Heartland Writers for Kids and Teens.
Huge thanks to my kids—Anna for knowing Iris better than I do, Andy for his keen ear and good cheer when asked to listen to just one more chapter, and Austin for his incredible insight and humor.
Special thanks to my sister, Anne, for remembering and for having so much faith in me.
I am so very grateful to Ginger Knowlton for finding Iris the right home at Simon & Schuster, and to my editor, Karen Wojtyla, and to Emily Fabre, who so wisely walked Iris across the tracks.
Thanks to my dear friends for the power of their optimism and enthusiasm.
And, most importantly, love and gratitude to my husband, Jack, for the unwavering support, terrific ideas, patience, and loving kindness he has shown me from the very first moment I decided I wanted to write.