Thanks so much to the person who got this football rolling, artist, sports nut, comedian, and all-around great guy Brandon Dorman. To my world-class agent and friend, Michael Bourret, who believed in this story from the moment I told him about it. To Alex Wolfe. In all my dreams I never could have imagined a more perfect editor to see this project through. From the first moment Brandon and I talked to you, we knew you were the third part of our story triangle. And amazing art director Jay Emmanuel, who completed the perfect square that brought this all together.
Thanks to the readers, booksellers, and librarians who’ve invited me into your homes, stores, and schools. Book people, I love you with all my heart.
I have to thank the people who are here for me every day, putting up with my off-the-wall ideas and roller coaster emotions—my Minecraft server friends. Just kidding! My family, of course. I love you, Erica, Scott, Jacob, Nicholas, Nick, Natalie, Maura, Isabella, Graysen, Lizzy, Jack, Asher, Cameron, Declan, Michael, Joey, and Aurora. You make me happy every day.
And last and most importantly, the person who I literally—and figuratively—can’t live without, my indescribably incredible wife, Jennifer. Love you always.
—J. Scott Savage