more light when heading into such dark seas.”

This book would not have been possible without Adrienne Rosado,

friend, agent, and were-mongoose. We are the proverbial

little-engine-that-could.

My mother, Liliana Vescuso, the most selfless and hardworking

woman in the world. Thank you for having the strength to leave your

homeland to start a new life in New York City. For giving me

everything I ever wanted, even when I didn’t always deserve it.

Para mi Mami Aleja, por ser el corazón de nuestra familia y porque

siempre ha creído en mí.

Joe Ponytail, Tio Danny, Tio Rob, Ne, Adrianna, Ginelle, Adrian,

Gastonsito, and my awesome little brother, Danny. I couldn’t ask for a

better family and support system.

The wonderful staff at Sourcebooks Fire-the Duo of Awesome, Leah

Hultenschmidt and Aubrey Poole; Kristin Zelazko and the production

peeps; Tony Sahara for the breathtaking cover; and my publisher,

Dominique Raccah.

Mr. David A. Johnson, the best teacher in New York City. You teach

more than social studies. You teach us that we can be our very best

selves. Yes, the train is moving.

To the awesome English department at Martin Van Buren High School

(2001–2005) for letting me express myself, even if it meant painting

on the department walls.

Meg Kearney, a lover of words and writers. Thank you for all the

writing opportunities you’ve given so many of us over the years. You

are a goddess to the writing community.

Ann Angel for reading my very first manuscript and showing me what

to look for when self-editing.

Sarah Jane Jaramillo for the beautiful photography portraits.

Kelly, TS, Hannah, Steph-who were my cheerleaders, outline

readers, and playlist givers.

And to the real Röaan Recklit for every nugget of inspiration I’ve

taken from you. But especially for knowing I could do this, even

though I always threatened to quit.

Write on, like,

Zoraida