So, for example, when you see the character:

KATRINKA SCHOFIELD (the director of the musical Annie at the Cape Playhouse)

I see:

IT’S A HARD KNOCK LIFE

If you’d like to work on solving my anagrams, here is a list of the characters’ names. Close to the time of the book’s release, check my blog for hints and eventual answers. I’ll also provide some extra background about their names.

Here they are:

Delsie McHill

Bridget Maeve McHill

Joseph A. McHill

Brandy Fiester

Tressa Bohlen

Ronan N. Gale

Sherman Gale

Aimee Polloch

Michael Poole

Henry I. Lasko

Esmarelda

Ruby Loren

Olive Tinselly

Katrinka Schofield

Saucepan Lynn

Here is one more anagram from the book:

SHOUTING AT THE RAIN

becomes:

THAT NOURISHING TEA

This book is about how authentic connections improve us and heal us. Being vulnerable—sharing personal things about yourself—is a good thing, because it creates connections by creating trust. However, as Grammy tells us, be careful with whom you’re vulnerable. Spend time with people who buoy you and protect you and want the best for you. Who’ll be honest with you, but also be kind. Relationships should make you happy, not leave you wondering. Like Delsie, learn to speak up for yourself. You deserve that.

Also, try to see your world with optimism and gratitude. Life isn’t easy. You will fail at things, experience disappointments, and get hurt. You can handle these things. Stand strong. Face these struggles. Lean on others. But keep optimism and gratitude in your pocket; in tough times, they made me resilient and also helped me become a happy human.

I wish the same for you.

Keep those shoulders strong,

Anna Graham

(A.K.A. Lynda )

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to honor the people who care for other people’s children, who step in when others step out, including foster parents and the many grandparents and extended family who make sure that children are not left behind. Your mark on the world will be a great one. I can think of no higher calling.

Teachers and librarians: Those of you who take the Ronans of the world under your wing, realizing that their anger is often a mask for frustration, sadness, and heartbreak, I thank you. With love, respect, and high expectations, you save these kids. And that’s vital, because if we don’t dig deep to help the struggling, angry kids, they will become struggling, angry adults.

I would like to thank my editor, Nancy Paulsen. I will always remember your patience in waiting for me to get this “sauce” done. I know that, with any other editor, these characters could not have become who they are. Thank you.

I LOVE being a Penguin! I am grateful for each and every one of you who helps with all author things! Especially Sara LaFleur, who’s always a pleasure to work with. HUGE thanks to Maggie Edkins, who designed this spectacular cover. And to all the other “Penguins” (present and past), including Carmela Iaria, Venessa Carson, Rachel Wease, Andrea Cruise, Trevor Ingerson, Summer Ogata, Brianna Lockhart, Elyse Marshall, Kaitlin Kneafsey, Alexis Watts, Bridget Hartzler, and Cindy Howle. I never take a single thing you do for me for granted. Ever.