The Tanglewood Terror (28 page)

“Let’s go,” he said.

We pressed on deeper into the woods.

For the third time, I give grateful acknowledgment to Angela Scaletta, Tina Wexler, and Allison Wortche for their feedback and enthusiasm through the writing and revision process. Thanks to Sarah Hokanson, Kathleen Dunn, and the rest of the team at Random House Children’s Books. Lots of gratitude and shellfish to The Otters for their advice and input: Josh Berk, Steve Brezenoff, Jonathan Roth, and Jon Skovron. Laurel Snyder and Linda Joy Singleton were way beyond helpful in the planning phase. Much of the bullying subplot was enriched by the thoughtful writing and friendship of James Preller. Charlotte the cat and her favorite toy inspired the Cassie story. Sy Montgomery’s lovely memoir,
The Good Good Pig
, told me everything I needed to know about having a pet pig. H. P. Lovecraft inspired the character and imaginary oeuvre of Max Bailey. Elaine Ford brought me to Maine in the first place and is the best writing teacher I ever had. A minor remembrance of a Mainer friend, Jennifer McLeod Finch, is now part of Eric’s story. Max Kimball was the first kid who read this story and liked all the parts I hoped he would. I brainstormed titles with the kids in Guys Read at Rockford Road in Crystal, Minnesota (special thanks to Zack), and got advice from the kids at South View Middle School in Edina, Minnesota, the kids at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School in St. Michael, Minnesota, and the kids at St. Joseph’s School in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Byron Ely Scaletta
is
, and that’s all I ask of him.

Kurtis Scaletta was born in Louisiana and grew up in New Mexico, North Dakota, England, Liberia, Brazil, and a few other places. His books for young readers include
Mudville
, which was a
Booklist
Top 10 Sports Book for Youth, and
Mamba Point
, which the
New York Times Book Review
called “entertaining and touching.”

Kurtis now lives in Minneapolis with his wife, their son, and several cats. To learn more about him and his books, please visit
kurtisscaletta.com
.