First there was my wonderful manager, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, and her business partner, Julie Kane-Ritsch, who were enthusiastic about the notion of Eva’s story from the start. Along with Rick Richter and Kevin Lewis, WondLa secured its home at Simon & Schuster.

The team at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers has always been incredibly supportive of me, and I am proud to mark a decade of bookmaking with them with the publication of this story. From my editor, David Gale, and art director, Lizzy Bromley, to my copyeditor, Dorothy Gribbin, I thank you for helping me with the words and pictures. Chrissy Noh also inspired me with her tireless enthusiasm and innovative marketing ideas. To Jon Anderson, Justin Chanda, and Anne Zafian, I am humbled by the passion you and your staff have infused into Eva’s world.

As the story came into focus, I had feedback and support from family and peers, who helped me come to understand what this story was truly about. I had many fundamental conversations with my mom about what the point of this story was, and many more coffee chats with my old assistant Will Lisak about what the future of Earth may hold. My mother-in-law, Linda DeFrancis, and my good friends Donato Giancola and Holly Gibson also offered their thoughts and cheered me onward.

I had early supporters—writers whom I greatly admire—like Kate DiCamillo, Guillermo del Toro, and Holly Black, who gave me the encouragement to write this tale. There were two amazing writers who were my go-to readers—Ari Berk and Steve Berman. Your insight and challenges as I worked on the various drafts allowed me to become a better storyteller. I am indebted to you both.

A couple of other dear friends, who happen to be teachers, offered insight into the world of a twelve-year-old girl. Lauren Decker reminded me of what life is like when one is twelve, with one foot planted in childhood while the other steps into adulthood. Kim Pilla offered up several ideas for timeless pastimes, including making friendship bracelets. (Rovender is still wearing his.)

I also had some incredibly experienced bibliophiles come in at the end of the writing and share their vast reading experience with me. Lisa Von Drasek, Joan Kindig, Ed Masessa, and Heidi Stemple pointed out those last little story scuffs and scratches that allowed me to polish it to a brilliant luster.