I’VE got a lot of people to thank for making my writerly wishes come true:
Van and his story wouldn’t exist without the help of several deaf and hard-of-hearing students and their teachers: Shanna Swenson in River Falls and students Austyn, Noah, Brian, and Kennedy; Amanda Kline of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and students Dalina, Gifty, Dexter, Amber V., and Amber H.; and Angela Dahlen in Red Wing and Cannon Falls, and students Ella, Cara, Nikki, and Maddie. Thank you all so much for letting me hang out and bombard you with questions. I hope I’ve reflected a tiny bit of your brilliance in this book.
The magical Martha Mihalick, for her enthusiasm, honesty, and faith in this story, and for pushing me harder whenever I deserved it. And to Laaren Brown, Lois Adams, Virginia Duncan, Paul Zakris, Ann Dye, Meaghan Finnerty, Gina Rizzo, and all at Greenwillow: Thank you for making me and the Collectors so at home.
Danielle Chiotti and everyone at Upstart Crow: I’m so lucky to have you on my side. Danielle, thank you for your (endless!) work, insight, and guidance. Whenever things get dark and twisty, I know you’ve got the flashlight.
They didn’t actually see this one in progress, but my critique group—Anne Greenwood Brown, Li Boyd, Connie Kingrey-Anderson, Lauren Peck, and Heather Anastasiu—has made me a happier human, a smarter reader, and a better writer. Giant hugs and cupcakes to you all.
Adam Gidwitz, for the GI Joe story.
Stephanie Watson, for hosting the Hoverdraft panel where I read the opening chapter of this book aloud to strangers for the very first time.
All the music teachers and opera singers it was my good fortune to study with over the years.
My family. Thanks to Mom and Dad for literally everything (especially the babysitting!), to Dan and Katy and Alex, and to all the grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and in-laws who make me feel so supported and who make family get-togethers so loud. Love you all.
And finally, lastly, mostly: Ryan and Beren. I can’t wait for more adventures with both of you.