A Map Of The Known World Part 24

I am so grateful to everyone who had a hand in bringing A Map of the Known World into being -- from those who actually worked on the book to those who supported me as I wrote it.

This book would not be possible without two people: Meredith Kaffel, my very wise and patient agent, who is very much responsible for drawing Cora out of me and helping me to shape her world; and Aimee Friedman, my insightful and brilliant editor, who helped me to craft this story with her astute pen. To both of you, your unflagging enthusiasm and deft eyes, your fort.i.tude and love and nourishment mean the world to me and make me far less neurotic. Thank you both so much.

Additionally, I must thank my wonderful family at Scholastic, all of whom have given so generously of their time, talents, and friendship to me over the years, including: Becky Amsel, Stephanie Anderson, Tara Bermingham, Duryan Bhagat-Clark, Anamika Bhatnagar, Alan Boyko, Susan Jeffers Casel, Margaret Coffee, Jody Corbett, Billy DiMichele, Kathleen Donohoe, Brandi Dougherty, Sheila Marie Everett, Nancy Feldman, Sue Flynn, Jacquelyn Fortier, Leslie Garych, Jacky Harper, Dianne 276.

Hess, Jazan Higgins, Roz Hilden, Annette Hughes, Cecily Kaiser, Marijka Kostiw, Carolyn Longest, Grace Maccarone, Nick Martin, Ed Masessa, John Mason, Siobhan McGowan, Charisse Meloto, Suzanne Murphy, Brenda Murray, Nikki Mutch, Stephanie Nooney, Arlene Robillard, d.i.c.k Robinson, Mark Seidenfeld, Lizette Serrano, Joy Simpkins, Alan Smagler, Jill Smith, Janet Speakman, Tracy van Straaten, Adrienne Vrettos, Elizabeth Whiting, Dawn Zahorik, and so many others.

Also at Scholastic, I'd like to extend my grat.i.tude to Karyn Browne, a kindred spirit; Rachel Coun, for her immense generosity, support, and friendship; David Saylor, a marvelous teacher and guide; Ellie Berger, whose faith in me has meant so much; Elizabeth Parisi, whom I thank for her beautiful design and for her friendship; David Levithan, an incomparable friend who has supported and encouraged me for so many years; and Ken Geist, who has been a mentor in every sense of the word and a dear friend.

I would also like to thank Charlotte Sheedy; Joe and the folks at Vintage; Kristin Dumont; Tamar Hermesh; Margaret Jones; Joan Konner and Al Perlmutter; Edric Mesmer; Eric Mortensen; Jackie Parker; Alison Pollet; Andrea and Steve Popofsky; Rhoda Sherbell and my friends at the Art Students League of New York; Jerry Weiss; Sarah Gelt; Molly D. Leibovitz; my parents, Nancy and Lionel Sandell; Sharon Sandell; Sarah Trabucchi -- dearest friend, thank you for reading this ma.n.u.script over and over and over; and Liel -- how can I ever repay you for all the pushing, reading, editing, supporting, and loving me? I'll be forever grateful.

277.

About the Author.

Lisa Ann Sandell is the author of Song of the Sparrow, which was a Book Sense Summer 2007 Pick, as well as The Weight of the Sky, which was named one of the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age. Music and art have always been an important part of Lisa's life; she studies sculpture and drawing and plays several instruments. Lisa works as a children's book editor in New York City. You can visit her at her Web site: www.lisaannsandell.com.

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