There are people who make both your life and your work better. My life was improved in so many ways the moment my agent, Stacia Decker, decided to take a chance on me. Since that day she has believed in me even when I’m not sure I believe in myself. Stacia—thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my friend, my champion, and a voice of reason when I need it most. You make me a better writer and I’m lucky to have you on my side.
I’m also fortunate to have an amazing team who stands by me and makes everything I do look better than I ever could have imagined. First and foremost, Margaret Raymo, who always trusts that I will take thoughtful comments and turn them into something that shines. Karen Walsh and Lauren Cepero, PR extraordinaires, who field my crazy emails with grace and friendship. Ali Schmelzle, the most amazing cheerleader a girl could have in addition to being a sales expert. And to Mary Wilcox, Linda Magram, Candace Finn, Lisa DiSarro, and so many others who have gone above and beyond to take my words and put them into the hands of readers—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Also, to Catherine Onder, HMH Books for Young Readers’ fearless leader and publisher, thank you for your vision and leadership.
All stories are personal, but this one forced me to look at life in a very different way and to walk in shoes that are not my own. Thank you to all of the students, teachers, and friends who were willing to talk to me about their lives and to help me see the world through new lenses. I owe a very special thanks to Tayaba Inam, Ann Carboneau, Becca Hix, Kimmily Phan, Yokabit Ayele, Malik Basham, Brittany Bush, Maria Celeste Hernandez, Thomas Holmes, Aja Martin, and Jennifer Weaver for your point of view on this story and for helping me make the characters as real as I could.
Thanks also to my mother, Jaci, for your never-ending well of support. Also, my deepest love and gratitude go to my husband and son, who gave me the space I needed to write and rewrite this book (which wasn’t easy to find in the middle of a house remodel) until it was something I could be proud of.
I owe a large group hug to everyone at the Dunow, Carlson, and Lerner Literary Agency and to Sean Daily of Hotchkiss and Associates for your support. And finally, to all the teachers and librarians and readers and booksellers who have welcomed my books into their hearts—none of the words I write would matter if it wasn’t for you.