Addie on the Inside Page 10

  In words: John Cavallero, my fellow teachers, and the students in the Coming of Age classes I’ve taught at the First Unitarian Society of Westchester in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. The openness with which the seventh- and eighth-graders in these classes talked about their lives had a direct impact on how I thought about Addie’s life. Also, the many readers of The Misfits and Totally Joe who have written to tell me their responses to those books and to share their stories.

  In action: Everyone at GLSEN and the many extraordinary educators, parents, and young people who have embraced The Misfits and Totally Joe and are devoted to ending name-calling, bullying, and homophobia in their schools and communities.

  In memory: My parents, Lee Arthur and Lonnelle Howe.

  In wisdom and patience: Amy Berkower, my agent and friend of many years; and the folks at Atheneum and Simon & Schuster, including Laura Antonacci, Justin Chanda, Ariel Colletti, Paul Crichton, Michelle Fadlalla, Russell Gordon, Stasia Ward Kehoe, Michelle Montague, Jeannie Ng, Lucille Rettino, Nicole Russo, Elke Villa, Anne Zafian, and especially Namrata Tripathi, my amazing editor, friend, and soul sister to Addie. Her smart, enthusiastic, and delightful company brought joy to the journey.

  In everything: My partner, Mark Davis, first reader, wise counsel, and constant sun shining through the clouds of my uncertainty. His advice each morning to have “the best day ever” was easy to follow when each day would be shared with him. And last but never least, my daughter, Zoey, who has informed so much of what I write, how I love, and who I am.

  My gratitude to you all.