Kimchi & Calamari (14 page)

My parents, Theresa and Harry Kent, whose love and commitment teach me everything I need to know about creating the story of a good life

My four superkids: TJ, wise teen editor and comic book connoisseur; Kellyrose, my sounding board who made sure I “wrote it real”; Connor,
the original Buddha Baby; and Theresa, the cutest cheerleader I could have on my team

Patricia Reilly Giff, mentor and friend whose “You will publish” words echoed through the dark

Jae Kim, my Yale angel who enlightened me on Korea's proud history

Young-jung Yoon, who filled in the cultural blanks and patiently educated me on Korean ways

Rachel Orr, savvy editor extraordinaire, for following “the signs” and believing in a boy named Joseph

Writers on Wednesday Nancy Castaldo, Liza Frenette, Lois Miner Huey, Coleen Paratore, and Kyra Teis. You are the best writers group on this side of the Hudson River. And another book with our word in it, WOW!

Tom Henery, who answered every band question I could e-throw at him. Go Navy!

Jennifer Groff, literary goddess, whose passion for children's books inspires me

Sal Primeggia, for Italian historical perspective; Sandy Dagliolo, for Italian translation; Abby Curro, for her calamari recipe; Jeanie Orr, for insight on the
dojang;
Ben Falge at the Japanese Connection,
for the beautiful
dojang
artwork; Jean and Tom Spiegelhalter, for “showing me” St. Louis; Virginia Horn and Barbara Restivo, for constant encouragement; and Laura Garrity, for the New Jersey geography lesson

Finally, to the many caring birth mothers, adoptees, and adoptive parents who graciously shared their stories, sometimes with teary eyes. I am blessed to have heard it all

And to Tom, who opened the windows and let the fresh air in.