Pandemic (29 page)

Thank you to Sky Pony Press and especially Julie Matysik who took great care to edit my manuscript in a thorough and kind way. She’s what every debut author dreams about in an editor.

Special thanks to my critique group, C. Lee McKenzie, Melissa Higgins, Heather Strum, and in memory of LK Madigan, who is missed so often and so much. I’m also grateful to Wendy Whittingham and Janine Camm, two of my first and longest critique partners. Thanks to Sharon Sorokin James for offering helpful plot advice on an early version of the story and to Susan Brody for her moral support.

I’ve shared lunch (and laughter) many times with Natalie Zaman and Charlotte Bennardo. Natalie has been incredibly supportive during times of uncertainty. And I finally get to sign books next to Charlotte, who’s been encouraging me for years. Their friendship may have saved me from changing careers once or twice.

To some of my oldest friends: Katie Orphanos listened to the hard parts. Sometimes that’s the very best thing a friend can do. A big thank you to Catherine Brennan for decades of memories. And thanks to Joy Adams, for lending me Nancy Drews and for making me want to read as many books as she did.

Claudia Whiteley has served as an inspiration in Isshinryu Karate and beyond. The Chatham Karate Academy and Mendham Karate Academy dojos are filled with amazing people.

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has offered wonderful chances to learn and improve. Kathy Temean, the former New Jersey Regional Advisor, helped provide the opportunities every writer needs.

Thanks to Rebecca Grose of SoCal Public Relations for helping to get the word out.

Thank you to Alex Palmer for helping to connect the industry dots at just the right time.

As I researched this book, Jennifer Bronsnick, Licensed Clinical Social Worker of Jennifer Bronsnick Counseling, offered insight into the psychology of traumatized teens. Dr. George Van Orden, Health Officer/Environmental Specialist at the Township of Hanover Health Department, spoke to me about pandemics and possible public health responses. They were both incredibly helpful in these matters.

Thank you to Marcy Posner for her early support.

In the in-law lottery, I hit the jackpot. I’m grateful to Rachele and Julio Ventresca for their love and support. “It doesn’t hurt to ask” has served me well. Thank you to Doreen, John, and Julianna Sullivan for their encouragement. Thanks to JC Sullivan for always being willing to talk books with me, and to Ryan Sullivan, who loves a good disaster story as much as I do.

A loving thanks to Liza Hein (a kindred creative spirit), William Hein (hugs!), and Amanda Hein (love you lots!).

My parents, Peter and Shirley Hein, have been proud of all of my writing, even my really bad poems in seventh grade. My dear mom is the best free proofreader ever. I’m thankful for many things they’ve done for me, but most of all, for raising me in such a loving environment and for showing me the power of persistence.

The best comes last: my children, Lauren and David, have listened to me talk about writing every step of the way. I appreciate the spinning hugs (Lauren) and the funny jokes (David). Thank you both for the tremendous joy you’ve given me.

Sometimes even a writer doesn’t have enough words, so I’m grateful to my husband, Chris, for
everything,
and especially for believing this was possible from the beginning.

A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR

Before becoming a children’s author, Yvonne Ventresca wrote computer programs and taught others how to use technology. Now she happily spends her days creating stories instead of computer code. In addition to
Pandemic
, Yvonne has written two nonfiction books for kids:
Avril Lavigne
(a biography of the singer) and
Publishing
(about careers in the field). When she’s not working or worrying about deadly disasters, Yvonne spends time learning Isshinryu Karate and recently earned the rank of second degree black belt. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children, and two dogs. For more information, visit
www.YvonneVentresca.com
.