Acknowledgments

I know authors aren’t supposed to pick favorites… and I’m not. But let’s just say that Sunny swept in and stole my heart, and I’m forever grateful to those who helped me in the process of bringing her to life.

Infinite thanks to Rebecca Podos, who is my amazing, talented, empathetic, empowering agent. I could not have dreamed up a better champion.

Thanks to my editor Kheryn Callender, who loved Sunny just as much as I did and chipped away at this story with a beautifully deft hand. Thank you, Nikki Garcia, for reading early and checking in on Quinn, and for your excitement on seeing Sunny and me through to the end. Which I hope is only the beginning.

Thank you, Megan Tingley, Alvina Ling, Victoria Stapleton, Michelle Campbell, Christie Michel, Siena Koncsol, and everyone at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, who not only created a warm, welcoming home for Sunny (and Ivy), but poured their own hearts and souls into these girls, lifting them up so others could find them. Your support and confidence mean so much.

So many thanks to Sasha Illingworth and Angela Taldone for the breathtaking cover design and for bringing Sunny’s very heart to life. And to Good Wives and Warriors for the stunning artwork. I think this cover is my favorite yet, and I honestly can’t look at it without smiling.

Thank you, Jen Graham, for your careful and thorough copyediting. You’re a miracle worker.

To my Nashville crew, I would not be who I am without you. Thank you, Lauren Thoman, Paige Crutcher, Courtney Stevens, Alisha Klapheke, Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, Erica Rodgers, Carla Schooler, Sarah Brown, and Christa Lafontaine, for all the miraculous ways you love.

As always, abundant thanks to everyone at Parnassus Books and Stephanie Appell, for your constant advocacy, excitement, and support for books for all ages.

Huge thanks to Katie, Kellie, Emily, Kay Kay, Jayme, and Hope for seeing me through my first full year of teaching while writing. You made me a better teacher and a better person, and this book wouldn’t be half as coherent without your support during the school day.

Thanks to Craig, Benjamin, and William, who have once again shown me patience, excitement, and love through another book.

Finally, thank you, dear reader, for entrusting me with your time, imagination, and heart. I hope Sunny helps you see just how mighty you really are.