Nightshade’s first home will always be Philomel Books. My gratitude to Michael Green is full of candy and sports goodness. I will never have the words to describe the wonderful, thoughtful, and adept editor that is Jill Santopolo. Thanks also to Julia Johnson and Tamra Tuller for all your hard work. For getting the book out to readers I thank the marvelous sales, marketing, and publicity teams at Penguin Young Readers: Emily Romero, Lisa DeGroff, Erin Dempsey, Jackie Engel, Casey McIntyre, Caroline Sun, Scottie Bowditch, RasShahn Johnson-Baker, Courtney Wood, Anna Jarzab, the rockin’ sales reps, and especially to Shanta Newlin for all that she does and for rescues in a pinch. The beauty of the book is due to the skill of Suza Scalora, Linda McCarthy, Katrina Damkoehler, and Amy Wu. Thanks also to Jennifer Haller and Don Weisberg for their confidence and kindnesses.
Friends have been steadfast traveling companions as well. Thank you, Lisa Desrochers, for being such a dedicated and creative author with which I can trade critiques. I would flail without the support of writing friends and role models, especially David Levithan and Heather Brewer. Thanks also to my colleagues at Macalester College, especially Casey Jarrin, Marlon James, Lynn Hudson, and Daylanne English. Here’s a big shout-out to my students, whose intelligence and enthusiasm keep me going. Thanks also to the librarians, teachers, and booksellers who’ve welcomed me into their world and whose love for literature renews my idealism. My book wouldn’t be anywhere without the generosity of readers and bloggers. I can’t thank you enough for taking this wild ride with Calla and her pack.
Though this trilogy is at an end, once there were beginnings. I am still ever grateful for the overwhelming support of my hometown, particularly the morning crowd at the Golden Glow, who keep me grounded. My brother always reminds me that the pursuit of passion is reward in itself. My husband keeps me laughing and holds me tight when I need it most. And for my parents, to whom this book is dedicated, before there were books there were dreams, which you never allowed to languish in obscurity. Thank you.
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