To Grandpa Manuel thank you for leading your life with compassion for others, for valuing education, and for working tirelessly to give your family opportunities you didn't have. We are all immeasurably better because of you, your sacrifices, and your generous soul.
To my family thank you for supporting me and listening with purpose when I first dipped my toe into the idea of writing a picture book, traversing the emotional journey of vulnerability with me, giving endless hugs, and celebrating my wins like they were your own. Thank you for effortlessly being my cheering squad and inspiration. To my sis for laughing as I read you José for the first time and convinced it will sell a million copies!
To my BFF for making time to read my stories, repeatedly stating you’re in the wrong business for over two decades before I listened, and holding my hand when I need it the most.
Joyce Sweeney you instinctually knew José was our way in together and I’m now elated to consider you a business partner and friend. Your talents are exactly where they are meant to be, thank you for seeing a spark in my words and planting me in your literary garden. Marisa Cleveland thank you for allowing me a glimpse inside your quick nature, organization, and the way you agent with kindness and efficiency. Nicole Resciniti thank you for being a beacon in the fog of publishing; I’m honored to watch the way you gracefully lead with well-rounded depth and heart.
Mary-Kate Gaudet I’m immensely grateful for your vision and persistence with José, thank you for creating a space for first-grade Jamie’s dreams to soar. Production of this book also required the devotion and energy of many behind the scenes including Editorial Assistant Roddyna Saint-Paul, Production Editor Esther Reisberg, and Jen Graham Senior Managing Editor. I’m positive there are many, many more unknown to me who worked their magical talents to make book joy happen over at LBYR, thank you!
Sara Palacios I’ve admired your art for years! Your natural ability to add whimsy and emotion into your images all while oozing with cuteness. Of course, I suggested you for my debut, but when I learned you signed on for NO WAY, JOSÉ Y JOSÉ Y JOSÉ my heart skipped, my body leapt, and my imagination grew wild anticipating the pivotal day I hold the culmination of my words and your art in one place. Thank you for participating in making the world a better place one book at a time.
Judy Campbell-Smith thank you for your friendship, unique perspective, and all-around gentle way of doing good in the world.
Abby Mumford thank you for always putting your detailed editing hat on during critiques, creating a space for humor, and most of all for your friendship.
Tunisia Williams and Kamilla Milligan thank you for stepping up to be part of PBPH and for continuing our connection with the team I truly appreciate our friendship and being alongside you on this journey.
Stephen Briseño thank you for selecting me to be your mentee for PB Rising Stars, it was a summer of leaps and bounds, and in true teacher form, you sent me on my way better equipped than ever before.
Lori Dubbins thank you for selecting me to be your co-author for a project together. You hold a special place in my journey and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to write alongside each other as well as support each other’s career wins.
Christine Rivera Creque my very first PB CP and IRL SCBWI friend; thank you for agreeing to be on the ground floor of the PB Power Hour experiment turned commitment.
Ebony Lynn Mudd and Kailei Pew thank you for the intense dedication you put into PBRS and for ensuring the community you created continues to evolve with value and support.