For their contributions to Ivy’s story, my thanks go to:

Kathleen Ernst, who listened at a crucial time.

Carly Miller, who thought I should draw my way into the story. Thanks for the pencils and sketchbook.

Joe and Lonnie Heywood, for always offering a comfortable lawn chair and good conversation.

Phil and Gavin Downs, who helped me with my pitching. Go, Boilermakers.

Terri Poliuto, First Reader. Thanks for demanding more chapters. (You know I was afraid not to comply.)

Robin Ryle, fellow writer and wonderful friend.

Mariann Airgood, Mark Airgood, Laura Bontrager, Maria Cantarero, Pamela Grath, Lisa Snapp, and Karen Wolf. More dear and valued readers. Thank you all for being in Ivy’s corner.

John and Genie Hayner and Gary Michael. Thank you for being such great friends.

Joy Harris, my agent. Many x’s and o’s.

Nancy Paulsen, my editor. Thank you for your careful and patient attention to Ivy’s story.

All at Nancy Paulsen Books who helped create this novel. Special thanks to the copy editor, Chandra Wohleber, whose comments were so apt, and to the designer of this perfect cover.

Matt and Peg Airgood, for their constant, loving interest in my endeavors.

Jean Guth, my mother-in-law, for her hospitality during an intense week of work on the manuscript. Thanks for understanding that I had to work, and for the Mint Klondike bars, too.

Our crew at the West Bay Diner. Their good cheer, hard work, and flexibility help make it possible for me to do two crazy jobs instead of just one.

Our customers, so many of whom are also dear friends and— hurrah!—book buyers.

The readers who were so enthusiastic in their response to Prairie Evers.

My parents, Henry and Anita Airgood. Both were voracious readers who filled our house with books. I couldn’t have had better champions in life.

My husband, Eric Guth, who gets it.