by Nathan

My brother cannot walk, talk, or do many things independently. I am so happy I have found your book. --Catherine

I enjoyed reading your book so much, I read it for a second time. --Danielle

Was it hard to come up with a book that has so many chapters? --Fatima

Yesterday, an author N.A. Nelson came to our school to give a presentation at my school. She was very nice and polite. I hope you will be the same way. --Marina

You are a great role model to me. --Julia

My favorite character is David, because he is funny sometimes. --Austin

I think the book shows that kids with autism or special needs are not stupid, and they just have a harder time communicating with people and controlling their feelings. --Adrian

I told my grandfather all of Tess's favorite islands and that there was an island school on it. I couldn't find any more clues, so after I finished the book (which had an awesome ending), I flipped back to the beginning. I found Chandler's Cove and Strout's Hill. I told him that, and he said it was Chebeague Island. Are we right? Did you teach there? --Saylor, whose grandfather lives in Maine 

     Saylor, Nancy Drew would be so proud of you!  
 Bethsaida is a made-up place (I didn't want any island to feel I had singled them out), but it's based on several islands in Casco Bay, including Chebeague, the island where I taught. This is the ferry I took to and from work every day as a teacher.