The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried(71)

Then I scroll to the bottom and find the file.

I click it open, pull my computer into my lap, and read until the end.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I write the stories, but creating a book takes a family of dedicated folks, and I’m lucky to work with the very best.

Katie Shea Boutillier, my agent and friend, who has been cheering for Dino and July from the first moment she met them. And the entire team at Donald Maass, who are each and everyone one amazing.

Liesa Abrams, my patient editor and confidant, who helped me take this story from “It’s kind of about zombies, but not really, and there might be other stuff” and transform it into the story of two best friends trying to find a way to say good-bye.

Over the course of nine (nine!) books, the entire team at Simon & Schuster has been there to guide me and support me. Before I started, I didn’t realize how many people there were working behind the scenes to lay out the pages and design the cover and pitch my books to librarians and teachers and bookstores. Now I know, and they are legion. I’m exceptionally lucky to have the support of people who love what they do and who do it so well. They are my champions and my heroes.

My brother, Ryan, who gave me a quiet place to stay when I needed it to finish this book, and who loaned me “Good Morning, Voldemort,” from his imaginary Hairspray/Harry Potter mash-up musical. And to his patient husband, Syrus, who put up with me eating all their Otter Pops.

My dearest and best friend, Rachel, for her always thoughtful notes on how to make Dino and July’s story even better, and for just continuing to be in my life.

My family, for believing. And my mom, especially, for asking, “Are you going to end the world again in this one?”

To all the librarians, booksellers, and teachers who put my books into the hands of the readers who need them. What you do is special, and I can’t ever thank you enough for doing it. If I had my way, you’d all be millionaires.

Finally, thank you to my readers. Thank you for letting Dino and July into your hearts. Thank you for being a part of their story, for being a part of all my stories. Just . . . thank you.