Sweet Soledad saw my picture on the dust jacket and said, ‘That’s my mama!’

My editor at Lee & Low, sent me an advanced copy of Finding the Music about a month ago. It arrived in the mail when I was home alone for lunch, and I had a few minutes to hold it and read it and kind of soak up the quiet joy of accomplishing something I had worked really hard at.

And then.

Just last week, my dad received his copy. And a friend received hers. Books they had ordered online, just like any other books.

And knowing Finding the Music is finally out in the world makes me feel like throwing confetti and handing out party hats, a louder joy that I’m lucky beyond words to share with family and friends whose support and kind wishes are so breathtaking.