I thought about this book for three years before I wrote a word. When I finally sat down to compose it, there were many pauses and breaks in the creative process. I am a hopeful person, full of fiery optimism. But I knew this would be a toilsome tale to tell… And it was, full of heartache. It is only because I had people around me offering encouragement, feedback, and comfort that I was able to finish. I am grateful to my agent, business partner, and matchless dreamer Arielle Eckstut, the one true literary genius I know. My resourceful and loyal writing assistant, Cass. My allies, best friends, and creative inspirers, Randy, Mary, and Angel. Deneen Howell and Bob Barnett, lawyers with unparalleled diplomacy and bookish sagacity. The American School in London for the residency that afforded me an abundance of time and creative space to dive into this big sea. My supportive former publishing colleagues, Ellen, Cat, Mary, John, and Lisa. Jackie and Jason, for your wisdom and writerly kinship. Nana Brew-Hammond, Tinesha Davis, Alice Cardini, Ann Marie Stephens, and Michael V. Williams, for reading early drafts and offering a critical and compassionate eye, and Beatrice Amorkor Saba for the countless stories about growing up in Ghana she shared over fried plantain and Red Red and for her abounding insight and trueheartedness.

I have been in this business for most of my life, from working for my father’s publishing company as a child to running a small press after college to building a career in children’s literature, and I like to think I can recognize publishing professionals who employ equal parts vision and smarts… Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is home to such people, and I am thankful to be a guest in your house: Margaret Raymo, my near decades-long editor and masterly literary conductor, I appreciate you. Megan Tingley and Michael Pietsch, I appreciate your faith. Victoria, Sydney, Shawn, Marisa, Emilie, Christie, Hannah, and Jen, I appreciate everything you’ve done and will do to share this story with the world.