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xi Acknowledgments For a lack of a better and less exaggerated way of describing it, getting to complete this project feels a bit like winning the lottery championing young adult literature has been such at the heart of my professional work for so long that it seems in regard to YA lit, IÊve forever had a book in one hand and a pompon in the other trying to get the world excited about this category of books. IÊm so grateful that there are many fans today. While IÊm celebrating this accomplishment, I have to send out some cheers for the folks on my team who helped in a number of ways and for personally cheering me on: For Blanche Woolls, library legend and editor extraordinaire, who gave me a chance to share my passion about young adult literature and for supporting me throughout the competition of this project. For Rosemary Chance who set the stage by creating the first two fine editions of this textbook IÊm honored that your mighty torch was passed to me thank you for hard work and dedication to young adult literature. For Sylvia Vardell, who found yet another way to support me professionally and personally. IÊve lost count on all the ways sheÊs made my life better, but IÊll never lose sight of the knowledge that she remains my „cheer base‰·all the professional goodness that has come my way is in some way linked to Sylvia·she has helped me „fly‰ over and over, and IÊll never stop being grateful for it. ItÊs a true honor to get to team with her in the Literature in Action offerings. For Emma Bailey, who has been a fountain of knowledge and such a calming force thank you for always answering my questions. For Tuan Nguyen for his willingness to share his vast knowledge of all things comic, graphic novel, and manga related. You are a hero among men. For answering my call for help and being such amazing role models for others in the library profession, I remain indebted to these „librarians in action‰: Jill Bellomy, Dr. Stephanie Burgis, Renee Dyer, Dana Hutchins, Jaime LeRoy, Angie Mahalik, Alicia Montgomery, and Lisa Morris Wilkey.