Two years ago the Guam Council of the International Reading Association invited me back to visit schools. When I returned to P. C. Lujan, I discovered my sixth-grade classroom was now the library. It was a tender moment. Life sometimes does make a complete circle.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Writing a book that takes place across the world has its challenges. Thank God for good people. The following people’s generosity formed a bridge across a giant ocean and made this story possible: Megan Murphy and her family: John, Austen, Ian, and Sophie Grensbeck; Godfrey and Eugenia Mansapit and their children; Carolyn Merfalen; Christine Scott-Smith; Monica Hopter; Jo Chasse and her 2000 Price Elementary School fifth-grade class; Sherry L. Chargualaf; Herman Crisostomo; David Wiita; Ignacio Cruz; Pat Rankin; Alma Vandervelde; Maureen Murphy and her 2000 Agueda Johnston Middle School summer class.

Manny Crisostomo’s excellent publication, Latte Magazine, gave me a deeper grasp of many cultural aspects.

Vicki Eder, Director of Amarillo’s Suicide and Crisis Center, helped me understand the survivor’s view.

Carol Wallace, Kathy Glantz, Cassidy Dill, and Paula Ryan opened their hearts and relived their pain so that I could write an honest book. My story is a better one because they shared theirs.

I once envisioned a day that I would send a manuscript to my editor and agent that had only been read by me. Instead I’ve discovered I eagerly look forward to the input of the following people: Shannon Holt, the only person allowed to read my first drafts; Jerry Holt, who actually asked if he could read this one; my talented and loyal friends Jennifer Archer, Charlotte Goebel, and Ronda Thompson.

Thanks to Jean Dayton for graciously typing my manuscript after a virus ate the entire book. And to Adriane Frye for suggesting I rethink a pivotal scene.

My editor, Christy Ottaviano, always challenges me to reach deeper and write another draft. And since I shamelessly seek her approval, I keep reaching. Thanks for loving your craft.

My agent, Jennifer Flannery, cheered me on long before the day she ate carrot sticks at her desk, waiting for the call that would change my life. You are my fairy godmother.

And a special thanks to my parents, Ray and Brenda Willis, who first took me to a magical place called Guam.

Also by Kimberly Willis Holt

Also by Kimberly Willis Holt

Novels

My Louisiana Sky
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
Part of Me: Stories of a Louisiana Family
The Water Seeker

The Piper Reed Series
with Christine Davenier

Piper Reed, Navy Brat
Piper Reed, Clubhouse Queen
Piper Reed, Party Planner
Piper Reed, Campfire Girl
Piper Reed, Rodeo Star
Piper Reed, Forever Friend

Picture Books

Waiting for Gregory
with Gabi Swiatkowska

Skinny Brown Dog
with Donald Saaf

The Adventures of Granny Clearwater and Little Critter with Laura Huliska-Beith

About the Author

About the Author