Publisher's Synopsis
This long awaited addition to the collected work of award-winning author, Kristen D Randle, is characterized by the same robust, gritty writing and understanding of human nature that won her the California Young Readers' medal and Michigan Library Association Best Book of the year. Her work has been praised for its depth of character, touch of mystery, passion, strong values and sense of humor. Her books have been recognized in the list of New York Public Libraries' Prestigious Books for Young Adults, the Texas Lone Star reading list, the Nebraska Golden Sower and Corn Huskers' lists, and have been among the nominees for the Dorothy Canfield Fischer Award of Vermont, the Utah Children's Choice Award, the New Jersey Garden State Teen Book award, the Rebecca Caudill Award (Ill), the Volunteer State Award (Tenn) and the Iowa Teen Award, among many others-including the ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. These are books that become long-time favorites, read and re-read over the years. They grow with the reader. In THE GARDENER, Renny-satisfied with her not-spectacular-but-comfortable life-takes a stand against her parents' sudden fit of wanderlust. She loses the battle and ends up having to make a new life for herself in what seems, at first, to be a quiet, charming New England seaside village. There's the usual new-kid-on-the-block struggle to find her place among the quirky natives, but just when life seems to make sense again, she begins to find shadows in the corners; questions come up that aren't easily answered. When the mystery becomes personal and weirdly dangerous, Renny has to choose who to trust and how far. Kristen Randle has written a tight, exciting story that pits instinct against appearance, innocence against convention and presents a strong, determined heroine who does what it takes to find the truth. http: //ponyworkshop.ponymoon.com/ What critics have said about the work of Kristen Randle: The Only Alien on the Planet: " . . . the overall impact of this psychological novel is so powerful." Anne O'Malley, Booklist " . . . readers will certainly marvel with her-and will be left with a better appreciation for the richness of their own social and emotional landscapes. A strong book with healing at the end, memorable for its spirited friendships and unpreachy soul-searching." Kirkus Reviews Breaking Rank: "Gritty, smart, and realistic, the novel perceptively explores issues of religion, sex and sexual abstinence, peer pressure, and integrity with grace and compassion. Despite some religious overtones, there is no preaching here, only a well-communicated respect for making comfortable personal life choices, and allowing others the opportunity to do the same. A story of morality without judgment, this will encourage teens to look beyond appearances and deep within their own hearts." Shelle Rosenfeld, Booklist (starred review) "Randle's novel is compelling reading . . . powerful writing and a suspenseful, action-driven story will grab teen readers." Gail Richmond, School Library Review Slumming: "Certainly, we expect the unexpected from a great book, and Randle delivers this and then some, creating layers of complexity in all the characters' lives." Horn Book "The premise of trying to impose one's ideals and values on other without knowing their circumstances is a life lesson that gives teens much to think about without ever letting the message dominate the story-telling."- Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK. School Library Journal
