ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There’s a song from the Anne of Green Gables musical that repeats, “Gee I’m glad I’m no one else but me.” As an awkward, bookish child and an awkward, bookish teen, I spent so much time wishing to be others—characters in books, kids in my classes. I never felt like I fit—not in my skin, not in my family, not even with my friends. I daydreamed of futures that felt impossible. You’re holding a piece of an “impossible” daydream in your hands, and I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has helped to make it a reality.
“Kindred spirit” is a term that neither Anne Shirley nor I use lightly, but I’ve been blessed to have so many in my life: Jen Zelesko, Nancy Keim Comley, Shannon Kimmel, Stacey Yiengst, Kristin Wilson, Jenn Stuhltrager, Carly Mendelssohn, Heather Hebert, Tiff Emerick, and Lauren Strohecker.
If I could have my own version of Anne’s “Story Club,” I would fill it with all my writer friends who’ve helped me with this book. First and always, Emily Hainsworth and Courtney Summers. Jessica Spotswood, Annie Gaughen, Amanda Hollander, Jess Capelle, Lauren Spieller, Bess Cozby, Reese Kimmel, Emerson Morley, and Grace Reed.
To my real-life STEM heroines: Rae Ann Cook, Elisabeth Beadell, Jenny Warner, Amy Carroll, Deborah Gross, and Gail Yates—your intelligence and courage inspire me. And to my favorite STEM heroes—Matt Schmidt and Matt Fowler—who were endlessly patient as I asked questions and checked wording. Any errors in application are mine, not theirs.
To the wonderful team at Abrams: Anne Heltzel, Andrew Smith, Jessica Gotz, Marie Oishi, Melanie Chang, Brooke Shearouse, Jenny Choi, Kim Lauber, Trish McNamara O’Neill, Nicole Schaefer, and Michael Clark—you all are the makers of dreams, and I’m so lucky to work with you and the fabulous crew at KT Literary and BG Literary; hugs to Barry, Tricia, Jen, and Kate.
And, always, always endless chapters of gratitude to the librarians, readers, teachers, and booksellers who have spread the word about this series. Especially Josh Berk—author, librarian, and quiz-bowl-host extraordinaire.
I’m forever grateful to Lucy Maud Montgomery for her stories and Prince Edward Island for summers spent on beaches and red clay roads where imagination and magic flourish. It has been one of my greatest joys sharing both these stories and places with my Schmidtlets.
Finally, St. Matt—I may have fallen in love with Gilbert Blythe first, but I love you more.
TIFFANY SCHMIDT
Tiffany Schmidt is a former sixth-grade teacher. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family and spends her time baking cookies, chasing her sons and puggles around their backyard, and writing the kissing scenes first. Tiffany is the author of the Bookish Boyfriends series, including A Date with Darcy and The Boy Next Story, as well as Talk Nerdy to Me and the forthcoming Get a Clue. In addition to Bookish Boyfriends, Tiffany has written four other books for young adults.
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