The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle

Despite Ginny’s family being almost TOO perfect (really, it’s a pleasant change form the usual dysfunction), I totally loved it. It’s a wonderfully clean story that is sensitive to issues of mental illness and abuse, with love and friendship to boot. Smitty IS a deep character, a genius who’s buried under a mask of unresponsiveness. I related so much to her struggle with knowing who she really is and then having the courage to act like that girl. I loved Ginny as my narrator she had such a unique but completely teenage voice, with this desire to BE something to someone and yet to feel like she fits in. I had no idea where this book was going to take me, but it was amazing. And eventually, Ginny decides that Smitty is worth trying to find, but the journey is not without heartache and some pretty serious consequences. His lack of emotional responses have prompted his classmates to call him “The Alien.” But maybe not - Ginny’s new friend Caulder doesn’t think so he thinks Smitty is in there somewhere. Smitty, the good-looking boy in her classes that is just … not right.

he overall impact of this psychological novel is so powerful.When Ginny moves from the west coast to the east coast, she knows things will be different - but she never anticipates meeting Smitty Tibbs. Kirkus Reviews Ginny's deft and engaging narration reveals a delightful and totally believable teen. A strong book with healing at the end, memorable for its spirited friendships and unpreachy soul-searching. School Library Journal The thick wall an abused teenager builds between himself and the world is penetrated at last by an extraordinary pair of friends. A fast-moving, unusual contemporary romance that should have great appeal. Has she gone too far, or not far enough? Utterly compelling.totally satisfying. But as she attempts to break into his safe and emotionless world, she realizes her efforts might be causing more harm than good. Ginny is convinced there's more to the Alien than his muted exterior. His name is Smitty Tibbs, but everyone calls him the Alien. He moves through each day at school without making eye contact. That is, until she sees him-the beautiful mystery in her English class. It was difficult for Ginny at first, but her senior year is finally starting to feel kind of normal. Winner of multiple awards, praised by librarians and teachers as one of the best books ever written for teens-NOW BACK IN PRINT! New town, new school, new friends.

The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle