Incognito

by Shelley Johannes

  Beatrice bumped Lenny back. “All the good parts were you.”

  Behind her green glasses, Lenny’s cheeks turned red. “Teamwork,” she said.

  “And …” Beatrice’s voice brightened. “Did you see Mrs. Tamarack took down the ‘Wanted’ poster?”

  Lenny laughed. “I was afraid you did that.”

  “I heard someone gave Mrs. Tamarack an anonymous tip,” said Sam. She twisted a flag in her fingers. “That ‘Most Strict’ was a compliment.”

  Lenny and Beatrice stared at the newest member of their group. Sam had their full attention again.

  A tiny smile touched her lips.

  “I also heard the anonymous tip was written on a typewriter,” she said, with a nod toward her room. “Kind of like that one.” A black machine with old-fashioned keys sat on a table just inside the window.

  Sam laughed at the looks on their faces, then raised her ice cream over her head. “Bravo Zulu, guys.”

  Lenny and Beatrice quickly lifted theirs too. “Bravo Zulu, Sam!”

  In honor of the adventure that brought them together, and all the ones to come, the three members of Operation Upside bonked their bowls in celebration.

  Beatrice glanced at her friends—one old, and one new. “So,” she said. “I’ve been thinking about who should get the next UPSIDE….”

  Conspiracy twinkled in Lenny’s eyes. “I have ideas.”

  “Me too,” said Sam, her smile wide.

  “Me three,” said Beatrice. She filled her spoon and savored a giant bite of dessert.

  The trio whispered possibilities as the sun went down and the sky glowed pink all around them. Together, on Sam Darzi’s roof, their future tasted as sweet as ice cream.

  Acknowledgments

  It’s been an overwhelmingly wonderful year since Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker entered the world. To all the readers, teachers, librarians, friends, and booksellers who have embraced and championed Beatrice, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  To the authors, illustrators, and educators who have reached out to offer support and friendship, I’m constantly inspired by each of you and the part you play in this beautiful community.

  Thank you to each school who welcomed me this year. And to the students who shared their art, their stories, and their dreams—love your weird and keep creating things that make you happy.

  To my editor, Rotem Moscovich—thank you for believing in Beatrice and always helping me tell the best version of her story. Also many thanks to the Disney Hyperion team—especially Heather Crowley, Mary Claire Cruz, Amy Goppert, and Dina Sherman.

  To Stephen Barr, agent and friend—I’ll never stop feeling lucky and too grateful for words.

  To Lisabeth, Nicole, Amy, and my sister, Shari—your friendship is a sanity-saving gift. I’m so grateful to call you friends.

  To my amazing parents, and my extended family, I love you. Your love and support mean so much.

  To Matthew and Nolan—you guys make life wonderful.

  Finally, a million thanks to Bob, my best bud, who deserves every book dedication and all the accolades for endlessly encouraging, picking up the slack, and keeping the caffeine and candy coming.

  Shelley Johannes is the author-illustrator of the Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker series. She previously spent ten years in architecture, where she fell in love with felt-tip pens, tracing paper, and the greatness of black turtlenecks. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two sons. Find her online at shelleyjohannes.com and @shelleyjohannes on Twitter and Instagram.