acknowledgments

I wish I could think of the perfect introduction to this section. Something that would encompass the vast and impossible range of emotions I am feeling right now, but I think I will have to settle for simply saying

THANK YOU!

Two people believed in this story very early on:

My agent, Sarah Davies, who made clear from the very beginning her passion and determination to fight for this story (and me).

My editor, Alvina Ling, who first saw this story at an NJSCBWI conference critique in 2011. Thank you for your guidance and patience and, most of all, for trusting me to do what needed to be done.

To Kathy Temean, who was the RA of NJSCBWI in 2011 and made the decision to place me with Alvina on a hunch that it would be a good match. (Trust me, writers, go join SCBWI!)

To all the amazing people at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, especially Bethany Strout, Christine Ma, Sasha Illingworth, Nikki Garcia, Barbara Perris, Faye Bi, Jenny Choy, Victoria Stapleton, Melanie Chang, Andrew Smith, and Megan Tingley.

To the tribe known as SCBWI—especially Lin Oliver, Steve Mooser, Kim Turrisi, and Sarah Rutenberg—as well as their entire team of magic-makers without whom this manuscript (and others to follow) would never have made it out into the world. (Did I mention to join SCBWI yet?)

To the NANOWRIMO community, without whom I would never have finished that very first rough draft.

Sometimes you just know within seconds of meeting someone that they will be your kid-lit soul mates for life. To Joyce Wan, Dianne De Las Casas, Marcie Colleen, Amber Alvarez, and Betsy Devaney for laughs and support and steadfast friendship in the wake of neuroses. And to Sarah Aronson for a life-changing favor to a stranger.

A heartfelt thank-you to those who went out of their way to spend time with me and talk of things simply out of the kindness of their hearts and souls. Susan Edwards-Bourdrez for helping me to remember some of the magical details of middle school. Dan Green for bringing the shooting stars a little closer for this novice Stargazer. Hunter Breckinridge Davis for the loan of two-thirds of the best name of the nicest boy ever. Josh First for the much-needed ammo tutorials. Elyse Rose-Coster for her culinary expertise. Linda Roberts Mueller for sharing her story. And especially Behzod Sirjani for sharing his and inspiring a new element in mine. (I’ll say it again: Everyone should be so lucky to have the kind of friend that Ryan had in you.)

To my dear friends Keith, Amanda, and Corbin “The Cub” Cartagine for their southern hospitality and love.

To my formerly southern brother, Max—you only get partial credit for “Hot Stuff! Coming Through!” but full credit for your help and support, particularly for introducing me to Terry Miller and Amy Gutzmer, who were so generous with answering questions and sharing their knowledge and time.

To Stine and Mom: This is a story about sisters and mothers—I have been blessed in both. Mom—for making home-cooked meals every single day for as long as I can remember and letting me loose in the kitchen when I wanted. And Stine—this journey all began with a punchbowl cake and some pretty impressive Jell-O molds at your bridal shower. I love you.

In memory of my father, whose first home in the US was teaching in Auburn, Alabama, where he forever reminisced over how popular and beloved he was in the South from the first day he set foot on southern soil, because (as he explained to us) who else could claim that everywhere they went in Alabama they were called Honey and Sweetheart? Only you, Dad. xoxo Miss you.

Most of all to my family:

Peter—for talking me down from many a tree, for your love and support and steadfast belief from the beginning.

Jasmine—my first reader and editor. I’m really sorry I forgot to put an ad in the yearbook for your graduation… but I was busy making you this.

And Tiger, my future storyteller—your kind heart and spirit and creativity (and your twisted humor) amaze me daily.

You are the loves of my life.

P.S. Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow Super Lustrous lipstick is NOT discontinued. It can be found online and in stores that carry Revlon products.

P.P.S. (Oh, but I do wish they would bring back that fabulous gold case.)