Rocky Road (33 page)

Strawberry:
Thoughtful and logical, that’s you. You deliberate long and hard before making decisions. You can also be introverted and shy, but always a loyal friend.

Banana:
You are easygoing, well adjusted, honest, and empathetic.

Rocky Road:
You present a balanced mixture of charm and practicality. You are outgoing and goal-oriented, and you appreciate the finer things in life.

Writing a story set in an ice cream shop brings out the sweet in people. Many generous individuals have added flavor to
Rocky Road
. I am grateful to you all. Any errors, of course, I have served up by myself.

An extra scoop of thanks, with all the toppings, to:

Michele Burke, an editor who is as talented as she is fun and supportive. I knew we were simpatico when I discovered she loves coffee ice cream too. And a tip of the soda jerk’s paper hat to all at Knopf who helped transform this story from manuscript to book.

Emily Sylvan Kim, superagent, who always believes in me and tells it like it is. Lucky me to have her on my team.

Kim Dergosits and Susan Rothchild, for guidance with American Sign Language and insight into the world of the deaf.

Camille Freedner and the peer mediators at Chatham Middle School in Chatham, New York, for explaining and enacting peer mediation. I intentionally choose an I-statement in declaring, “I feel that you are all terrific.”

My local writer friends Nancy Castaldo, Liza Frenette, Lois Miner Huey, Eric Luper, Helen Mesick, Coleen Paratore, and Kyra Téis, who always give helpful feedback and keep good
writer company. A special shout-out to Girl Scout leader Nancy for her crafty insight into T-shirt design.

Pat Reilly Giff, inspiring mentor, across the years and miles. And Ann Haywood Leal, talented author-buddy, who goes back with me to those SCBWI conferences where we scribbled notes to each other and wondered when we would get to check “author” on registration forms.

Sue Bucher, a San Antonio gal born and bred, for offering straight-shooting advice on all things Texas.

Al Roland, for the author photo, and Annie Roland, for fielding random research questions.

Michelle Camuglia, always my first reader and always a good friend.

Abby Curro, for her thorough explanation on installing curtains. (And for installing curtains at my house over the years!)

In tribute to Mr. Ed Berko and Dave Berko. I will always cherish the memory of our visit to an ice cream shop in Annapolis during my first trip to the Naval Academy. Go, Navy!

All the kids in our blended brood—Tae, Rhiannon, Kellyrose, Liam, Connor, and Theresa—for cheering on
Rocky Road
and putting up with my distracted self when Tess’s troubles were on my mind. An extra heap of sprinkles goes to Kelly for reading the story early on and offering many valuable suggestions.

Frank Capra, posthumously, for creating a movie that always reminds me that we make the world a better place simply by the way we treat each other.

Janet Hutchison, smart and spirited owner of the Open
Door Bookstore, and the epitome of what brings out the best in Schenectady. And the sisters at Civitello’s Italian Pastries. I put your shop in
Rocky Road
, changing the location, however, because your story inspired me—and I love your lemon ice. And to all in the Schenectady community who have worked so hard to bring this fine city back.

All the readers who have written and e-mailed and encouraged another book after reading
Kimchi & Calamari
, and all the teachers and librarians who have put my book in the hands of students and onto state lists.

My parents and extended family and friends, who cheered me on. And special kudos to my niece, Regina Kent, and my nephew, Matthew Beckwith, who often turned to me at family gatherings and asked, “So, whatcha writing now, Aunt Rose?”

To Tom, skilled mapmaker, patient partner, and Spanish translator.
Tú eres mi héroe. Siempre con cariño
.

Finally, to every person who has ever scooped a cone, whipped up a shake, or dressed up an ice cream sundae, and served it with a smile. You never know what that customer on the other side of the counter really needs. This story is for you.

Rose Kent, a former naval officer, lives in Niskayuna, New York, just east of Schenectady, with her husband and children in a house with a dozen ice cream scoops. She is an ardent believer in the redemptive power of a sundae.

Her first book,
Kimchi & Calamari
, was nominated for several state library awards. Visit her at
www.rosekent.com
.