This is an extraordinary book which was such a joy to read. It is mature, sophisticated and classy. It seems simply a good story but there's a depth here. The characters feel authentic and complex as they discover a fascinating and intriguing world, yet struggle to fit in with the adults' expectations, and try to make sense of life.

Ware was looking forward to the summer holidays so that he could finally do his own thing. He didn't fit in at school and this was going to be his opportunity for some respite from trying to be like 'normal' kids.

But his grandma has fallen ill and his parents both need to work, so he's been told he has to spend the summer at Rec Camp where he will experience 'Meaningful Social Interaction'.

On his first day, though, Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl who is planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon Ware starts to join her, skipping Rec, creating their own world of knights and endeavour in the castle-like space of the church. 

Jolene calls Ware a dreamer because he doesn’t live in the ‘real world’ like she does but through their differences they realise they have one thing in common: the garden is a refuge and when it is threatened, they must do their utmost to protect it.

This is a glorious book. It's beautifully written with an authenticity in the story and also the emotions and behaviours of the children as they respond to the constraints and expectations of the adults in their lives. It's quirky - the remnants of the church cause Ware and Jolene to make interesting observations and responses - and it celebrates difference and individuality. It's aimed at readers aged 9 years and above.