As always, I am very grateful to al the people who made this book possible: my boys, Gabe, Seth, and Eli; my husband, Pancho; my parents, Stephen and Candy; my very supportive girlfriends Jen H., Jen L., Meghan, Nic, and Shel y; my ninja agent, Jodi

Reamer; my "baffy," Shannon Hale; al my friends and mentors at Little, Brown, most especial y David Young, Asya Muchnick, Megan Tingley, Elizabeth Eulberg, Gail Doobinin, Andrew Smith, and Tina McIntyre; and, saving the best for last, my readers.

You're the best audience anyone could have.

Thank you!