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Most of my adventures take place on the page, and none of them would happen without some wonderful and generous people. My cousin Shawn O’Donnell, amateur magician and restaurateur extraordinaire, opened his magic library to me, sharing wonderful tomes, old and new, including the book on sleight of hand that Audie takes on her journey. The Bowery Boys (www.boweryboyshistory.com) transported me to the New York of the early 1900s; beware of tuning in to their podcasts because they are extremely addictive. Silver Sister Jennifer Holm jumped in to help with some New York City historical research, as did Pamela Ryan and Laurel Snyder (I think they may have been procrastinating instead of writing).

I am blessed with a family that makes me laugh and brings unending joy. Esme, Audrey, Eli, and babies-to-be remind me what it’s like to be a kid, and also remind me to take time to act like one once in a while (who ever thought Grandma Kirby would go to a video arcade?). I am one lucky mom to have Quinn and Matt, Tyler and Nicole in my life; thanks, all. And Neil: I owe you big time for everything, including all the Winston-sitting.

I am grateful to be part of a talented and caring community of writers, without whom I would lose heart. Special thanks to Karen Cushman, Mary Nethery, and the Butterfly Sisters (Susan Hill Long, Barbara O’Connor, and Augusta Scattergood). Fist bump.

I have gotten my agent, Jill Grinberg, into so many tight corners, yet she does nothing but smile and say it will all work out; she may have inspired Audie’s basic life philosophy. Katelyn Detweler, Cheryl Pientka, and Denise St. Pierre all have Jill’s back and thus mine. Special thanks to Eva Beller, Jill’s mother-in-law, for help with the Yiddish words.

My Scholastic family supports me in so many ways; I can’t believe my luck. Huge thanks to: Jennifer Abbots, Julie Amitie, Lori Benton, Ellie Berger, Bess Braswell, Michelle Campbell, Caitlin Friedman, Antonio Gonzalez, Rachel Feld, Emily Heddleson, Lindsey Johnson, David Levithan, Christine Reedy, Dick Robinson, Lizette Serrano, Tracy van Straaten; Olivia Valcarce; Alan Boyko, Janet Speakman, Robin Hoffman, and the whole Book Fair gang. Thank you, Carol Ly and Brandon Dorman, for another irresistible cover. And my darling editor, Lisa Sandell, deserves an unending supply of chocolate and adult beverages for putting up with me.

As always, readers, I am honored that you would spend time with my books. Merci!