Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Set in the early 70s’ in Conners, Georgia, a small town near Atlanta, fourteen-year old Darcy has just started high school when four things happened that changed the course of her life:

• American troops pulled out of Saigon
• Her older sister Adel fell in love with a soldier and Yankee from New York City
• Jason Polwalski came from Chicago came to live with his sister… and
• Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer

Author McDaniel weaves these four events into a story that takes you into the heart of a family as it struggles with the changes an illness and the loss of a loved one can bring to a home.

At a time when Darcy should be experiencing the joys of high school, fun times with a best friend and her first love, she is also dealing with death both close to home and on the other side of the earth in swampy jungles. In spite of the seriousness of the book, there is a tone of hope and appreciation for life in many forms, including Mama’s prized flower garden which becomes Darcy’s responsibility and also a solace to her.

As well as a being beautiful story, Garden of Angels is, in a sense, a historical novel, giving the reader a great appreciation for the 70’s and what our country was experiencing at the time. I think this book can be enjoyed by both sexes although it will probably have greater appeal to young girls.

— Vy Armour, Member SCBWI