When a book enters the world, it gets there because of the many wonderful and talented people who loved it and worked to make it better. These folks didn’t just believe in this story, they believed in me. This is EVERYTHING. This sentiment is all the more true with a debut, so I have many people to thank. While the journey required patience, practice, and persistence from me, I also want to acknowledge my luck and my privilege. They are real. I was bolstered by many other authors, aspiring authors, professionals, and “regular” people. I could not have done this without their support, seen or unseen.
I want to thank my parents, George Kirouac and Sally W. Kirouac. I don’t have the words to thank them for the way they always encouraged me, regardless of what strange paths I picked or how often I changed my mind. I want to thank my mother in particular. She showed me what it means to be a loving force in the world, for which I am forever grateful.
Thank you to my husband and best friend, Daeg, who never doubted, and almost always said yes to making dinner. I am so proud to walk through this life with you.
Thank you to my agent, Catherine Drayton, for believing in my work and for her persistence. My characters and I are lucky to have you as our champion. Thanks also to the fabulous Claire Friedman—you do so much.
An endless murmuration of thank-yous to Nicole Otto and Rhoda Belleza, who loved and understood Toli from the get-go, and wanted her to be in the world. I am so very lucky to travel this path with you.
Thank you to Erin Stein, Raymond Ernesto Colón, Dawn Ryan, John Morgan, Natalie Sousa, Jessica Chung, Madison Furr, Katie Halata, and the rest of the amazing staff at Macmillan Children’s! You all make me wish I lived in the city so I could soak up all your fun vibes and brilliance in person. Thanks to Ellen Duda and Kelley McMorris for my absolutely stunning cover!
I want to thank Lynne Schmidt. She was my very first critique partner, and I learned a lot from her. I hope you’ll see more of her soon. I also want to thank Hilary Harwell, Laura Bartha, Gita Trelease, Julie Artz, and Kristi Wientge. It wouldn’t be the same book without you ladies. Thank you to the inestimable Matt Bird. Long may you edit. Thank you to the excellent writers of the Fellowship of the Winged Pen but especially to Jessica Vitalis, Jennifer Park, and Mark Holtzen for your support and feedback. Thank you also to Carissa Taylor and Megan Reyes.
Thank you to Brenda Drake, and to all the #PitchWars mentors for their love and support, and to Steph Funk for her excellent editorial advice back when I was her mentee. Extra special thanks to the PitchWars PNW mentors (Rebecca Skye, Rebecca Schaffer, Joy McCullough, Heather Ezell, Rachel Griffin, Shari Green, Julia Nobel, Cass Newbould, Rachel Solomon, Julie Artz). Your friendship and support matter so much to me. Grazie molto to Joy for being there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. Thanks also to the Novel 19s group for their love and support and to Heidi Heilig and the KidLit Alliance. It’s a privilege to listen and learn with you all. Special thanks to Karen Foxlee and to Martha Brockenbrough for their support. Thank you to Melissa Marr for her kind DM all those years ago. It came at a much needed time. Also, big thanks to Lia Keys. When I was first peeking through the crack in the door into the world of writing, I had questions. You gave me patient, compassionate answers. It mattered. Thank you, readers. Thank you, universe. Keep going. I love you.