Nessie Quest
Page 26
I then began to interview others within the blind and visually impaired community and those who support them. They shared the many ways in which they live and navigate without sight, and how our society views them. One common wish voiced again and again was the desire for a real flesh and blood character and not a superhero version of a child who is blind.
In many ways, my mom was no different from anyone else’s mom. She taught us the importance of things like knowing the difference between right and wrong, being a responsible and productive member of society, having a good work ethic, choosing your friends instead of allowing them to choose you, and always, always checking the date on the Miracle Whip before you use it. But leading by example can ultimately be the most powerful parenting technique there is. And her example of strength and resilience has allowed us to cope with difficulties in our own lives.
My mom isn’t a superhero, and neither is Hammy Bean Tibby. Neither leaps large buildings in a single bound or bends solid steel with their bare hands. Neither wears a red spandex cape or letters on their chest. But both possess superpowers nonetheless. To me, they are examples of triumphing over challenges, and in my opinion, overcoming the adversity of losing their sight makes them forces to be reckoned with. I hope Hammy Bean inspires readers to listen even when they can see.
I wish to express my gratitude to all those who helped me build this very special character, especially my mom, who remains my first-string editor, my biggest fan, and my real-life hero.
Thank you to all who have worked with me to make this book the best it can be. I look at each book as a team effort, and I have an amazing team to call my own. As always, I wish to express my gratitude to my agent, Laurie McLean, and my amazing editor, Emily Easton—you have no idea how fortunate I feel to have you both in my corner. And for the Nessie Quest team at Penguin Random House, thank you for all you have done to make this book happen. Thank you to Lydia Nichols for continuing to tell my stories with your beautiful artwork—I’m so thrilled to have you on this journey with me.
I would also like to thank all the wonderful people who provided input for this story. To Tracy, Lu, and Bean with Lu & Bean Read (@luandbeanread, luandbeanread.com) for all your help on how to get a podcast up and running, as well as for your support. You do an amazing job sharing wonderful stories with your subscribers—keep doing what you’re doing! I’d also like to thank all those from the blind and visually impaired community whose input helped me create a character who lives with blindness. Thank you to all the mobility specialists, teachers, and supporters for your expertise. And I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the experts on this subject. Thank you for sharing your insights, your experiences, your feelings, and your truths about what it is like to live in the world without sight. It was a true honor to listen to your voices and hear your stories. I can only hope this character speaks to your hearts the way you have spoken to mine.
A special thank-you to all the dedicated teachers, media specialists, and librarians who give all that you are to your students. Thank you for sharing my stories with your kids and welcoming me into your classrooms.
Finally, a special thank-you to my mom, who is always my biggest champion and has provided so much insight for one very special character. Hammy Bean Tibby wouldn’t be who he is without her. Mom, you are a true force to be reckoned with.
And as always, for Tobin, you are my wings in everything I do and you always will be.
Melissa Savage is the author of Lemons and The Truth About Martians. She worked previously as a child and family therapist. Even though she’s never seen a Loch Ness Monster in person, Melissa loves to learn and write about the mysteries of cryptozoology for children. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
melissadsavage.com
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