Next, my deepest gratitude goes to Alexandra Cooper, who listened to and encouraged this idea when I first brought it up and who was there every step of the way after that with her gentle encouragement, sharp insights, and legendary (in the best possible way!) edit letters.
I do not have enough thank-yous for the indomitable Leigh Feldman, who saw me through this book from beginning to end as she does each time—with grace, humor, and a fierce heart.
So much gratitude for my new family at HarperCollins, who have made me feel welcome and taken care of from the very beginning. Rosemary Brosnan, Alyssa Miele, Renée Cafiero, Raymond Colón, Jenna Lisanti, and Olivia Russo—I am so deeply impressed by this dynamo team! And speaking of being impressed, I still look at this cover and marvel at the brilliance of Erin Fitzsimmons and her design that is so perfect for this story.
And then there are my dear friends who have become my writing family. Sarah Ockler, who is my literary soul sister and who I feel lucky to know, and even luckier to call my friend. Here’s to many more years of friendship, writing, wine, tarot, chocolate, and being amazing!
Morgan Matson, from the bunkhouse to our writing days at the library with Albino Bunny, you’ve been there for me as a friend and writing partner the whole way, and that means more to me than you could ever know. I look forward to many more years of writing with you, your smile, and your multiple beverages!
Carrie Harris, Elana Johnson, Stasia Kehoe, and Gretchen McNeil—you girls and your friendship, support, advice, hilarious emails, and general awesomeness have meant the world to me, and I can’t picture doing this without you.
And finally, a friend who was a stranger until I stumbled on his story while doing research for this one: Zeke Kendall, who so patiently answered every last one of my questions so I could know all the little details, and whose story (and heart) is more amazing than anything I could ever write. (That’s me calling you out, Zeke—time to write it!)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo by Sarah Ockler JESSI KIRBY is a writer for young adults whose first book, Moonglass, was named an ABA New Voices Pick. She has also written two other novels—In Honor and Golden. Jessi works as a middle school librarian in Orange County, California, where she lives with her husband and two kids. You can visit her online at www.jessikirby.com.
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