This book was truly a passion project for me—a book of my heart—and it would not have been possible without some wonderful, supportive people.

Thanks to my fabulous editor, Jody Corbett, who loves Bo and Agnes as much as I do and was crucial in crafting their story. Thanks as well to the whole Scholastic team—including Jennifer Abbots and David Levithan—who continue to make my dreams come true. My infinite gratitude also goes to the fantastic folks at New Leaf Literary—particularly Jaida Temperly and Joanna Volpe—for supporting my crazy ideas, even in their infancy. I am so lucky to have an amazing team on my side.

I have so much love for my own spectacular friends—Shana Hancock, Gaelyn Galbreath, Kate Lawson, Amy Lukavics, Laurie Devore, and Phoebe North. You ladies are the reason I want to write stories like these. Thank you for your love and constant inspiration.

Writing about Agnes’s blindness was a challenge for me, despite having the same condition that she does. It takes a lot of courage to open up about your own disability sometimes, and I want to thank those who have encouraged me in this. The most thanks goes to my Disability in Kidlit teammates, Corinne Duyvis and Kayla Whaley. You two make me smarter and braver every day. And thanks to Holly Scott-Gardner for reading early chapters.

My mother would kill me if I didn’t take a moment to thank my family, especially her and my dad, who never let me forget how proud they are of me. I know sometimes I act annoyed when you brag to strangers about my writing, but I’m so glad to have parents who support my work. I’m also lucky to have amazing siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Thank you all so much for everything you’ve done for me over the years.

And, finally—but most importantly—I want to thank you, my readers. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to write the stories that I love. You give me the courage and the strength and the hope I need to keep writing. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are my heroes.