Question: Which american novelist is the author of "Grendel", John Gardner or Pete Dexter?

Context paragraphs:
On Moral Fiction: On Moral Fiction is a collection of essays by the American novelist John Gardner published in 1978.  (ISBN  )

Nickel Mountain: Nickel Mountain is a 1984 drama film produced in Iceland and the United States written and directed by Drew Denbaum.  It stars Michael Cole, Heather Langenkamp, Patrick Cassidy, Grace Zabriskie, and Brian Kerwin.  The movie is based on the novel of the same title by American novelist John Gardner.

Pete Dexter: Pete Dexter (born July 22, 1943) is an American novelist.

The Paperboy (2012 film): The Paperboy is a 2012 American drama film starring Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron, John Cusack, Nicole Kidman and David Oyelowo.  Directed by Lee Daniels, it is based on the 1995 novel "The Paperboy" by American author Pete Dexter.

Grendel Grendel Grendel: Grendel Grendel Grendel is a 1981 Australian animated film written, directed and designed by Alexander Stitt and starring Peter Ustinov.  It was based on John Gardner's novel "Grendel".  The music was composed and conducted by Bruce Smeaton and has been released on the 1M1 Records label.

John Gardner (Texas Ranger): John Gardner (1845–1926) was a Texas Ranger, cowboy, Indian fighter, and noted trail boss who was the subject of a folklore song titled, "John Gardner's Trail Herd".  It was often alleged that Gardner was a member of the Sam Bass Gang.  He was the father of Joe Gardner, a noted World Roping Champion.

Grendel (novel): Grendel is a 1971 novel by American author John Gardner.  It is a retelling of part of the Old English poem "Beowulf" from the perspective of the antagonist, Grendel.  In the novel, Grendel is portrayed as an antihero.  The novel deals with finding meaning in the world, the power of literature and myth, and the nature of good and evil.

John Gardner (American writer): John Champlin Gardner Jr. (July 21, 1933 – September 14, 1982) was an American novelist, essayist, literary critic and university professor.  He is best known for his 1971 novel "Grendel", a retelling of the Beowulf myth from the monster's point of view.

Unferð: In the Old English epic poem "Beowulf", Unferth or Hunferth is a thegn (a retainer, servant) of the Danish lord Hrothgar.  His name appears four times in the poem (always spelled Hunferð), at lines 499, 530, 1165, and 1488, as well as in line 980 by the appellation "the son of Eclafes".  The name "Unferth" does not appear in any Old English manuscript outside of the Nowell Codex, which contains "Beowulf", and the meaning of the name is disputed.  Several scholarly theories about Unferth have been proposed.  Unferth is also the name of a character in the modern novel "Grendel" by John Gardner, based upon the "Beowulf" epic.

The Paperboy (novel): The Paperboy is a 1995 novel published by American author Pete Dexter.

Supporting paragraphs: John Gardner (American writer) Pete Dexter
Answer: John Champlin Gardner Jr.