“Depression has been likened to both a black cloud and a black dog. For someone like Kelsea, the black cloud is the right metaphor. She is surrounded by it, immersed within it, and there is no obvious way out. What she needs to do is try to contain it, get it into the form of the black dog. It will still follow her around wherever she goes; it will always be there. But at least it will be separate, and will follow her lead.”

American young adult fiction author and editor

David Levithan is an American young adult fiction author and editor. He is known for writing stories that center strong male gay characters, including Boy Meets Boy and Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List. His work has been recognized by the Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, with six of his books winning or reaching finalist status in that category. The recognition has made him the most celebrated author in that field.