Acknowledgments

I don’t think I would have become a writer if I hadn’t first become a middle school teacher, and I know I wouldn’t have written this story if I hadn’t been inspired by the students I taught and the conversations we had.

To all of my former students: Thank you for energizing me with your passion and creativity and for strengthening my resolve to write this kind of upper-middle-grade book. And very special thank yous to Lily Cappello and Madison Scheuer, who offered excellent advice about the swimming elements of this story, and to Dasha SotnikPlatt, one of the most exuberant and prolific readers I’ve ever known, who read a book I’d written about Annabelle’s stepsister and said, “I want Annabelle’s story next.” It took me several years, but here you go!

Sara Crowe, thank you for loving Annabelle back when she was a secondary character in Lissy’s story and for urging me to keep writing this book. I so appreciate your enthusiasm and your hard work on my behalf.

Maggie Lehrman, thank you for believing that we need stories like Annabelle’s and for guiding me along to realize my vision for this book. You are calming, encouraging, and wise, and I’m especially glad you helped me develop the girl power at the core of this story. Thank you to the awesome team at Abrams for contributing your many talents to creating this beautiful book. Nishant Choksi and Hana Anouk Nakamura, thank you for the incredible cover and book design. Jenny Choy, Trish McNamara O’Neill, Hallie Patterson, and Brooke Shearouse, thank you for all that you do to get my stories into the hands of readers.

Laura Sibson, thank you for helping me enrich the swimming scenes and understand Annabelle’s unique intelligence . . . and for hosting me for many lovely writing dates and supplying me with delicious coffee and second breakfasts to keep me going. Jen Petro-Roy, thank you for your valuable insights about Kayla’s character and eating disorder recovery. And Cordelia Jensen, my treasured friend and sometimes coauthor, thank you for reading this story more times than even my very specific memory can keep track of and for all the ways you helped me problem-solve and find the heart of this book. I am a better—and happier—writer because of you.

Writing can be a very solitary act and I am not a very solitary person, so I feel lucky to be part of several writing communities. Thank you to the Vermont College of Fine Arts network, the Secret Gardeners (and especially our Philly contingent!), the Middle Grade at Heart crew, and the Electric Eighteens. The connections I have made with all of you have nourished my writing and brought me so much joy. Special shout-outs to my debut-year buddies Mary Winn Heider and Melissa Sarno and my publishing-expert buddies Lisa Leicht and Val Howlett; I’m so glad to have you as my friends and colleagues.

One of the best parts of becoming a published author has been the chance to engage with teachers and librarians who are passionate about connecting kids with books. I am so grateful to all the educators who have hosted me for school visits—especially my incredible former colleagues at Friends Select—and so inspired by all the educators I’ve met online and through nErDcamp events. I appreciate all that you do for your students and for authors!