ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

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Sincere thanks to:

The entire Dial team: my brilliant and inspiring editor, Liz Waniewski; also Regina Castillo, Jasmin Rubero, Heather Alexander, Lauri Hornik, Kathy Dawson, and Scottie Bowditch.

The park rangers at Fort Sumter—Nate Johnson, Michelle Welker, Olivia Williams, Tommie Williams—for granting me an extended stay, and answering hundreds of the most bizarre questions any visitor has asked. Also the rangers at Fort Moultrie, who were subjected to similar interrogation, and never blinked.

My father- and mother-in-law, Charles and Sandy Odom, who hosted me while I conducted research in South Carolina. And my Charleston insiders, Peggy Mitchem and Mark Hales, who guided me through the city’s lesser-known military installations and explained harbor fishing.

St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library, especially the teen librarians. Also the booksellers, teachers, bloggers, and readers who got behind Elemental and gave it so much love.

My trusted beta readers: Audrey, Clare, and Christina Ahn Hickey.

Tony Sahara, for the awe-inspiring cover. And Steve Stankiewicz, for the beautiful map.

And my agent, Ted Malawer, a constant source of support and encouragement.