“Hi, Mo!” I squealed and leaned down to pick up my pup. Then I reached into my backpack and pulled out presents. Bagels for Mom and Dad. And a stuffed animal wearing an I heart NY T-shirt for Hailey.

“It’s a Timothy the squirrel!” Hailey squealed, hugging him hard.

I looked around and exchanged glances with Lily, Trina, Megan, and Riley. They looked just as happy as I felt.

“Are you missing New York already?” my dad asked.

“You know what?” I said. “It’s good to be home.”

Acknowledgements

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book is about TEAMWORK, so first I want to thank the team who helped bring this book to life:

• The WME|IMG team: Sharon Jackson, Mel Berger, Jenni Levine, Erin O’Brien, Joe Izzi, Matilda Forbes Watson, Josh Otten, Lisa DiRuocco, and everyone at WME|IMG for your support and encouragement.

• The Aladdin team: Starting with Alyson Heller, the driving force behind this book—thank you so much! And to Mara Anastas, Laura DiSiena, Jodie Hockensmith, Nicole Russo, and everyone at Simon and Schuster Children’s/Aladdin for your hard work and dedication.

• Rachel Rothman, who has believed in me from the very beginning and was invaluable making this book so awesome!

• Katie Greenthal, Marisa Martins, and everyone at the Lede Company for being such awesome publicists and helping bring my voice out to the world.

• Scott Whitehead and everyone at McKuin, Frankel, Whitehead for all of your wise legal advice.

And:

• Julia DeVillers!! You gave Harper (and the rest of the DanceStarz) an amazing voice and it has been so fun to see these characters come to life. A million thank yous for being such a smart, savvy, and fun partner on this project!

This book is about DANCE, so of course I want to thank all of my friends who have supported me every dance step of the way:

• Sia, who shows me how to be the person I want to be

• All of my dance teachers, who have taught me to be the best I can be

• All of the dancers who have ever shared the dance floor and stage with me. You’ve motivated and inspired me!

This book is about FAMILY, and you know I love my family so much!

• Kenzie!! My creative and talented sister. You’re my best friend and I love you!!

• Gregga, who has always been there for me, supported me and made sure I have whatever I need with patience and positivity—and no complaints!

• Jane, Lilia, and Jack Buckingham, who make LA feel like my home.

• Michelle Young, for all the sleepovers, loud music in the car, and the laughter that never ends.

And:

Mom!! don’t know how I got so lucky to have you as my mom. Thank you for everything.