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Acknowledgements:
When I started SZJMB, I had no idea it would be three years before it was published. Along the way so many people helped that there's no way I could name them all. But it would be unconscionable to not try. First, my beta readers (all twelve) deserve a big portion of the credit. The kidlit gang at AbsoluteWrite.com not only helped me hone my skills, but more importantly, offered endless encouragement. Many thanks go to my editors: Lisa Hazard, Cara Wallace, and Paula Morrow; my proofreaders Nick at Everything-Indie and Anne Victory; and my writing instructors: Gillian Richardson and Paula Morrow. Paula was not only my instructor and editor: she was like a mentor, showing me not only the rules of writing, but how to break them. Last, I must thank my family, especially my wife, for all the time I took away from them to write and revise this book. To all of you, and countless authors, agents, and friends, I say, thank you.