So many people lent their time and talents to this book. First and foremost, I’d like to thank my editor, Kathy Dawson, for her hard work and vision. Her insight has been invaluable. I’d also like to thank my agent, Ginger Knowlton, who is the friend and advocate every writer dreams of.
My parents, William and Linda Going, are my best readers. My dad provided his expertise on spiders, catfish, and all things biological. He also accompanied me on a trip to Plains, Georgia, and read every draft of this book, even when I told him not to. Thanks to my mom for sharing her understanding of the children’s book market, and for her instincts about what makes a great read.
Thank you to Dustin Adams for his unwavering support and for lending me his considerable writing talents as he critiqued draft after draft with patience and skill. Brenda Zook Friesen and Tobin Miller Shearer provided valuable anti-racist feedback. I’m also indebted to the St. Thomas community and The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond for prior anti-racist training. Thanks to Bob Strangfeld for sharing his historical knowledge and documents relating to 1976. I am grateful to Laura Blake Peterson, Elizabeth Gold, Susie and Laura Haldeman, Sara Sheiner, Zachary Miller Shearer, Tasha Toney-Thomas, and all those who read and commented on early drafts of this book. Thanks to Nicole Kasprzak and Nathan Bransford for their work behind the scenes.
Last but not least, thank you to Carol Daley for her work on the website and to April and Ben’s Simple Things Bake Stand for providing the nourishment necessary to complete a novel (i.e.: fabulous cookies and baked goods).