There is only one thing I am certain of. The truth changed my life without my knowing it, from the minute I first heard it.

I take a seat in the chair and nod to Rose that it is time to start. To keep fighting for the truth now, I think, it is only fitting that I have to change again.

Atlas watches as Rose cuts and colors and fusses until finally she is ready to let me see her work.

People weren’t willing to see the truth the last time we fought for it. This time, I think, as I shake out my newly short hair, colored with streaks of bright red and white, I am going to make the truth impossible for them to ignore.

Acknowledgments

Words have power. I don’t think I understood how much power until I began to write books. I realized it anew as I sat down to tell this story. Still, no matter how much power words have, it often takes more than one voice to make sure those words are heard.

As an author, I’m lucky to have incredible voices on my side to help me through the process of story conception to publication. It’s because of their chorus of support and dedication that the words I write are transformed into a book.

First and foremost, this story would never have been told had it not been for the support, guidance, and friendship of Stacia Decker. It’s amazing what ideas a bunch of random emails between client and agent can spark. More amazing still is the careful attention you always give to the story I am telling and to me. You were the first to dedicate yourself to making sure my words are heard, and I am and will always be forever grateful.

Next, words are never written in a vacuum. They are written on planes, in parks and tae kwon do studios, and most of all in my house. Thank you to all my friends and family. But especially, thank you to my husband, Andy, for understanding the late nights, my need to brainstorm when I am stuck even though you have no idea what I am talking about, and for your love. Also, to my son, Max—thank you for your cheerful certainty that I can do anything and your unflinching conviction when you tell people that I’m famous. (Spoiler alert . . . I’m not famous.) And to my fantastic author assistant and amazing mom—thanks for always meeting the bus and helping with homework when I am out of town and for your unfailing belief that my words have value even when I have no idea what I am trying to say.

So many people touch a book once it’s written. To editor extraordinaire Kristen Pettit—thank you for your enthusiasm and your willingness to find the heart of the story I’m trying to tell. I also owe lots of hugs to Ro Romanello and huge applause to Elizabeth Lynch! Also, thanks to Erica Sussman for her vision for HarperTeen and for letting me be a part of it. To my amazing copyeditor Sona Vogel—you are a grammar and fact-check rock star! Edel Rodriguez—I couldn’t imagine a more perfect artist or cover for this book. Thank you for lending your incredible talent to my words. And to production editor Liz Byer, incredible designer Jenna Stempel-Lobell, and the entire HarperTeen and Epic Reads team: thank you for your incredible work.