Lying Out Loud

Acknowledgments

It would be a lie to say I did this on my own. The truth is, there have been several amazing people helping to shepherd this book into existence, and I want to take a moment to thank them.

Thank you to my editor, Jody Corbett, who put so much time and energy into making this story the best it could be. Thank you to my agent, Joanna Volpe, who had faith in this story even when it was just a half-formed idea mentioned over coffee. And to the whole New Leaf Literary and Scholastic teams — there are no words for how happy and honored I am to work with all of you.

Special thanks to Phoebe North, who loved this story even when I didn’t. To Amy Lukavics, who constantly makes me feel like a rock star. And to Lisa Desrochers, who made me laugh even when I was feeling pretty down. I’m so proud to know all three of you talented, smart, amazing women.

Thanks to everyone in my family for believing in me while also keeping me grounded. And special thanks to Mom, who is always there when I need her, and Dad, who never lets me doubt how proud he is. I’m lucky to have you all.

And since this is a book largely about friendship, I would be remiss not to thank my own best friends. Shana Hancock, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost nine years since that day we met in history class. We may be several states apart, but I adore you just as much now as I did then. Gaelyn Galbreath, you’re the Ann to my Leslie, my soupsnake, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Thank you both for always being there for me. I love you so much.