Book Acknowledgments: People and Contributions

Acknowledgments for the Book

• The author expresses gratitude to various individuals and groups who contributed to the book's creation.

Editors and Agents

• Jennifer Besser, the author's first editor, provided insights into character and plot.
• Alex Glass, the author's agent, supported the book from its inception.
• Jason Richman at United Talent Agency helped envision the story cinematically.

Publishing Teams

• Thanks is given to the teams at Putnam (Kate Meltzer, Nicole Wayland, Cindy Howle, Jen Loja, Jocelyn Schmidt) and Macmillan (Allison Verost, Kathryn Little, Molly Ellis, Luisa Beguiristaín, Lucy Del Priore, Jennifer Sale, Morgan Dubin, Johanna Kirby, Katie Halata, Nancy Elgin) .

Insightful Readers

• Valentina Pop, Rami Midani, Caroline Hickey, Lyda Phillips, and Karen Leggett Abouraya (with Tharwat Abouraya) and the Wise family (Jill, Russell, Raleigh, Nell, Jack) helped shape the story.
• Valentina shared knowledge of the refugee route and connected the author with refugees.
• Rami Midani provided a Syrian perspective for accuracy and sensitivity.

Personal Stories and Memories

• Bénédicte Jonnart shared family memories and historical materials related to Albert Jonnart and Brussels' wartime history.
• Nicole (Colette) Dubuisson-Breuer recounted Jacques Breuer's story and her own war memories, along with Louis Dubuisson, Baudouin Dubuisson, and Jean-Christophe Dubuisson.

Syrian Experiences

• Rehab Alhdad, Muhamedkher Alhjibrahim, Sabah Sheikh Fadhel, Moundher Dawoud, and Yazan Rajab shared memories of life in Aleppo and experiences as Syrian refugees.
• Sabah Fadhel cooked a Syrian dinner.

Refugee Community Support

• Abdulahi Abdulkadir Omar shared his experience arriving in Belgium in 2015 as an unaccompanied minor.
• Elke Zander, Barbara Winn-Hagelstam, and Amy Anderson helped connect the author within the refugee community.

Organizations and Experts

• Sofia Mahjoub at Child Focus educated the author on challenges faced by undocumented minors in Europe.
• Semma Groenendijk at Minor-Ndako shared firsthand experience working with undocumented minors.
• András Léderer at the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights shared reporting on Kiskunhalas and Hungarian detention centers.

Cultural and Linguistic Assistance

• Jamal Khayar introduced the author to Moroccan Belgian culture.
• Anahita Nickdast corrected the French in the book.
• Jennifer Walsh Weyers, Jessica Barist Cohen, and Mouhamed Farouk translated oral interviews in French and Arabic.

Botanical Expertise

• Hendrik Verstraete at Petrens & Co. and Dr. Anne Ronse at the Botanic Garden Meise helped ensure accuracy about orchids.

Literary Community

• Celeste Rhoads and the American Library in Paris provided a venue to debut a chapter.
• Jennifer Dalrymple and Luis Roth introduced the author to a literary community.

Creative Support

• Amy Huntington and the Performing Arts Forum (PAF) in France offered a productive retreat.
• Fellow PAF writers helped brainstorm the book's title.

Encouragement and Support

• Teresa Cuvelier, Aida Radović, Katy Hull, and Katy Walters Brink provided encouragement.
• Amie Hsia and Ben Harder offered support across time zones.

Family Influence

• Elaine Milosh and Ken Marsh instilled the value of storytelling and creativity.
• Natalia Ostapiuk Milosh, John Milosh, and Leo Marsh inspired hope as immigrants.

Family Support

• Julian E. Barnes supported the move to Belgium and the book's creation.
• Sasha and Natalia braved a new country, language, and school.
• Sasha read drafts and corrected cultural misunderstandings.

School Community

• The Ecole du Bonheur welcomed the family and embodies Belgian kindness.

Inspirations

• Ralph Mayer and Albert Jonnart inspired the story with their courage.

Acknowledgments from the book, recognizing the contributions of editors, agents, publishing teams, and insightful readers who helped shape the story. Author expresses gratitude to those who contributed to the book's creation and improvement.