Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet - by Barbara Dee (Paperback)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Haven channels her anxiety about the climate crisis into a fight against the factory suspected of polluting the river running through her town.

Book Synopsis

From critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee comes a "thought-provoking...wonderful" (School Library Journal) middle grade novel about a young girl who channels her anxiety about the climate crisis into rallying her community to save a local river.

Twelve-year-old Haven Jacobs can't stop thinking about the climate crisis. In fact, her anxiety about the state of the planet is starting to interfere with her schoolwork, her friendships, even her sleep. She can't stop wondering why grownups aren't even trying to solve the earth's problem--and if there's anything meaningful that she, as a seventh grader, can contribute.

When Haven's social studies teacher urges her to find a specific, manageable way to make a difference to the planet, Haven focuses on the annual science class project at the local Belmont River, where her class will take samples of the water to analyze. Students have been doing the project for years, and her older brother tells her that his favorite part was studying and catching frogs.

But when Haven and her classmates get to the river, there's no sign of frogs or other wildlife--but there is ample evidence of pollution. The only thing that's changed by the river is the opening of Gemba, the new factory where Haven's dad works. It doesn't take much investigation before Haven is convinced Gemba is behind the slow pollution of the river.

She's determined to expose Gemba and force them to clean up their act. But when it becomes clear taking action might put her dad's job--and some friendships--in jeopardy, Haven must decide how far she's willing to go.

Review Quotes

"A powerful depiction of the impact of climate change on a young activist's mental health."--Kirkus Reviews

"Middle grade author and tough topics expert Dee returns with a thought-provoking look at the very prevalent, but little known, issue of eco-anxiety and how it is affecting our youth. Dee has deftly brought the important topic of eco-anxiety to the fore, while developing a wonderful story about juggling normal middle school worries such as friendships, crushes, and sibling issues."--School Library Journal

"Though Dee (Violets Are Blue) offers no easy answers about how an individual can make a significant impact, Haven's endeavors are earnestly wrought, and her compassionate heart and interpersonal conflicts balance the book's environmental thrust."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Barbara Dee is the author of fourteen middle grade novels including Unstuck, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, Violets Are Blue, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post's Best Children's Books, the ALA Notable Children's Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.