What Happened to Lani Garver

Book excerpt: The appearance of a mysterious teen leads to tragedy on a small fishing island in this “taut, provocative novel . . . [that] crackles with suspense” (Publishers Weekly). The close-knit residents of Hackett Island have never seen anyone quite like Lani Garver. Everything about this new kid is a mystery: Where does Lani come from? How old is Lani? And most disturbing of all, is Lani a boy or a girl? Popular Claire McKenzie isn’t up to tormenting Lani with the rest of the high school elite. Instead, she decides to befriend the intriguing outcast. But within days of Lani’s arrival, tragedy strikes, and Claire is left questioning herself, her friendships, and, most interesting of all, the possibility that angels may exist on earth. “Gripping.”—YM Magazine “Prejudice, homophobia, friendship, tolerance, individuality, and the possibility that something spiritually bigger than all of us rules this universe are wonderfully woven into this powerfully told story. Outstanding writing, strong characterization, and riveting plot development make this title rise above many recent coming-of-age stories.”—School Library Journal “The characterizations are superb . . . The hint of supernatural only adds to the appeal. Successfully raising many valid issues, this should appeal to teens from the popular to the marginalized.”—Kirkus Reviews “Lani’s androgyny and his angelic possibilities are intriguingly played out.”—Booklist