BIRDIE’S NEIGHBORHOOD is based on the one where I grew up in Atlanta. I drove through it recently and it looked the same, except the hills weren’t as steep and the swimming pool not as grand—and oh, my house wasn’t there anymore (shocker!). It’s now trees and woods to make way for a flood plain. But Birdie’s window was my window and it will always be thus in my heart and mind. So thanks to the families and neighbors of Gainsborough who shaped my childhood, some who sprang up again to populate Birdie’s world.
To my visionary agent, Susan Hawk, I live in appreciation of you. Thanks for believing in me. You could have gotten into anybody’s rickety car, but you got into mine. And that was a very lucky day for me. I’m so happy to be part of the Roost.
To Anna Roberto, my amazing editor, who encouraged me to write what was in my heart. I so appreciate your brilliant insight and kind support. And special thanks to the Feiwel & Friends team—Liz Dresner, Brittany Pearlman, Nancee Adams-Taylor, Matthew Griffin, and Rebekah Wallin.
I stole from many friendships across my life in the writing of this book. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank Alison Bearman, Patty Lorenz, Gail Plummer, Heather Place, Joy Brown, Margaret Anne Smith, Kate McLaughlin, and Lori Bertazzon for gracing me with friendships that have imprinted upon me for life.
Also, my love and gratitude to Kristine Oller, Alicyn Packard, Jen Brehl, Jen Wenzlaff, Marla Maples, Liz Femi, Robert Davis, Amanda Laufer, Karyn Blaylock, Beth Wolfe, Laura Dawson, Kevin Gregg, Tara Reynolds, Marilyn Alauria, Sonya Vai, Loren Kling, Jen McCreary, Rachel Stander, Margaret Eves, Amy Linton, Rick Lee, Jamie Reeves, Frank Izurieta, Chris and Rita Hamilton, and Greg and Glenda Weaver.
I am so grateful to Oren Weintraub for all his support along my journey. And huge thanks to Kim Haavet, Kate Chavers, Angela de Jesus, and Aaron Mendel for … you know … everything.
To my Writer’s Group and friends, Kate MacDonald, Anna Miller, and Margaret Anne Smith. You wonderful, talented women! Our dinners together helped me believe I might actually become a writer someday.
To bookstores! I was especially blessed to have my first book launch at Once Upon a Time Bookstore in Montrose, CA, my southern launch at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA, and my first hometown signing at Giggle Monkey Toys in Dahlonega, GA. Thanks to Maureen Palacios and Kris Vreeland; Jackie Tanase, Karen Schwettman, and Gary Parkes; and Tammy and John Clower.
Mostly, thanks to my readers. I love visiting schools and talking to kids about reading, writing, and creativity. Your enthusiasm fills me with purpose and joy. And it reminds me that kids are the same everywhere—absolutely awesome! Thanks to all the schools and teachers and librarians for having me. And a big shout-out to the coolest book club on the planet at Lumpkin County Elementary!
To my mom, Anita Middleton, who uses her many superpowers for good, always supporting me and my writing. How did I get so lucky? And to my father, Guy Middleton, who taught me to ride a bike, to ride a horse, to drive a tractor, and practically everything else—thanks for giving me so much to write about! And to my first and forever friends, my sisters, Sally and Lisa, to whom this book is dedicated. My favorite sound is when you laugh.
And of course the biggest thanks to my fella, Pete.