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Secrets of Bearhaven #1
Secrets of Bearhaven
An incredible new adventure story for fans of "Narnia" and "Wolves of the Beyond"!
It starts with a chase. When Spencer Plain is pulled out of school in the middle of the day, he never expects to be speeding down the highway with his uncle, trying to outpace the car that's tailing them. And he certainly never thought he'd find himself fleeing from a bear through the woods.
And when he hears the bear say, "We've been expecting you," Spencer knows he's just uncovered a whole world he'd never imagined. He's brought to Bearhaven, a secret oasis his parents created for bears.
But there are depths to Bearhaven that Spencer and his new bear cub friend, Kate, start to uncover. Spencer finds out he's been there before, even if he can't remember. He also stumbles into a rescue mission being planned to save a bear in danger. He knows he can help, and he's desperate to find clues to his parents' whereabouts, so he and Kate decide to take matters into their own hand--even if they discover a secret that could threaten Bearhaven's future!
It starts with a chase. When Spencer Plain is pulled out of school in the middle of the day, he never expects to be speeding down the highway with his uncle, trying to outpace the car that's tailing them. And he certainly never thought he'd find himself fleeing from a bear through the woods.
And when he hears the bear say, "We've been expecting you," Spencer knows he's just uncovered a whole world he'd never imagined. He's brought to Bearhaven, a secret oasis his parents created for bears.
But there are depths to Bearhaven that Spencer and his new bear cub friend, Kate, start to uncover. Spencer finds out he's been there before, even if he can't remember. He also stumbles into a rescue mission being planned to save a bear in danger. He knows he can help, and he's desperate to find clues to his parents' whereabouts, so he and Kate decide to take matters into their own hand--even if they discover a secret that could threaten Bearhaven's future!
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2016
18 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
K.E. Rocha
4 books55 followersK.E. Rocha received an MFA from New York University and served as the Starworks Fellow at Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital, providing pediatric patients with bedside creative writing instruction. She creates, writes, and story develops for Egg in the Hole Productions, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Hi or Maruh in the bear langauge of my books!
I'm Kristin and I love, LOVE writing! I love using words to create something new. Building ideas or worlds or even characters that never existed before and then being able to share them and make them real for others is an incredible feeling. If you like Bearhaven as much as I do, I'd love to hear what you have to say! Leave a review and follow me on Instagram at @k.e.rocha.
Hanranbranda ("your friend"),
Kristin
Hi or Maruh in the bear langauge of my books!
I'm Kristin and I love, LOVE writing! I love using words to create something new. Building ideas or worlds or even characters that never existed before and then being able to share them and make them real for others is an incredible feeling. If you like Bearhaven as much as I do, I'd love to hear what you have to say! Leave a review and follow me on Instagram at @k.e.rocha.
Hanranbranda ("your friend"),
Kristin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 7, 2017
Reviewed by Hannah Hom for San Diego Book Review
This book is about a boy named Spencer. One day his parents disappear. Spencer’s uncle takes him to Bearhaven, where Spencer comes closer to finding out where his parents went. "Secrets of Bearhaven" by K.E Rocha is a novel about the true meaning of friendship. In this story the bears act a lot like humans, so they are not very realistic. The town is not very realistic either. Spencer is a lot like other middle school kids so he can be a bit mean at times. Spencer is not very well developed at the beginning of the book but as it goes along, he gets more developed.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
This book is about a boy named Spencer. One day his parents disappear. Spencer’s uncle takes him to Bearhaven, where Spencer comes closer to finding out where his parents went. "Secrets of Bearhaven" by K.E Rocha is a novel about the true meaning of friendship. In this story the bears act a lot like humans, so they are not very realistic. The town is not very realistic either. Spencer is a lot like other middle school kids so he can be a bit mean at times. Spencer is not very well developed at the beginning of the book but as it goes along, he gets more developed.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
February 14, 2018
Secrets of Bearhaven by K.E. Rocha is a middle grade book about . . . um . . . a boy who finds out that his parents are basically secret agent animal rights activists and they built a secret safe haven for bears, where the bears more or less live like humans, and there's also an evil secret organization that really, really hates bears. This is a book about people with very strong feelings about bears, and lots and lots of bears.
Post-read, I'm left puzzling over the worldbuilding. Like I said, the bears basically live like humans in Bearhaven. So . . . are the bears anthropomorphic? I guess, but bears who aren't in Bearhaven still seem to be mostly . . . bear-like? There are devices called bear-coms that "translate" the bears' growls into English, but they don't seem to work the other way around. So can the bears understand English? It would seem not, because the protagonist has to learn bear-language in order to rescue bears. All of the technology is kind of sci-fi-hand-wave explained away, which to me is a lot more irritating than fantasy-hand-wave explained away.
Maybe I got spoiled as a kid. I grew up on Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events, both of which were children's series that were totally comfortable having a villain who's actually, legitimately scary. The villain in this book could have been scary. He sits on a throne made of literal bear parts, that's pretty creepy -- but any real scariness is undercut by having him look ridiculous otherwise, and by having his name be . . . Pam.
Yes, Pam.
Also, NOBODY'S favorite food is microwave macaroni and cheese.
I just didn't understand this book, Plain (ha) and simple.
I received my copy of Secrets of Bearhaven through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, in exchange for an honest review.
Post-read, I'm left puzzling over the worldbuilding. Like I said, the bears basically live like humans in Bearhaven. So . . . are the bears anthropomorphic? I guess, but bears who aren't in Bearhaven still seem to be mostly . . . bear-like? There are devices called bear-coms that "translate" the bears' growls into English, but they don't seem to work the other way around. So can the bears understand English? It would seem not, because the protagonist has to learn bear-language in order to rescue bears. All of the technology is kind of sci-fi-hand-wave explained away, which to me is a lot more irritating than fantasy-hand-wave explained away.
Maybe I got spoiled as a kid. I grew up on Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events, both of which were children's series that were totally comfortable having a villain who's actually, legitimately scary. The villain in this book could have been scary. He sits on a throne made of literal bear parts, that's pretty creepy -- but any real scariness is undercut by having him look ridiculous otherwise, and by having his name be . . . Pam.
Yes, Pam.
Also, NOBODY'S favorite food is microwave macaroni and cheese.
I just didn't understand this book, Plain (ha) and simple.
I received my copy of Secrets of Bearhaven through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2018
It all starts when spencer plains uncle pulls him out of school and ditches him for the bears. one bear finds him and tells him his parents are part of a bear orginization and they get captured on a mission so spencer hides out to try to save his parents.
February 13, 2016
Talking bears are a shock in the Secrets of Bearhaven, until 11-year-old Spencer Plain realizes they have a special microchip implanted in them to make communication possible. Spencer's parents run a foundation to save abused bears. He realizes something has gone awry when his uncle, Mark retrieves him from school, and after driving speedily away, tailed by a mysterious car, orders him to jump from his car into the woods to locate a bear who will help him. Spencer's trip is non-stop action from this point on. Avoiding a charging large bear that he knows will devour him, turns out not to be the case. This bear leads him to Bearhaven a sophisticated community of bears full of personality and focused on undermining a complex web of bear abuse. Spencer yearns to help AND find his missing parents. His impatience coping with the strict Bearhaven communities' rules proves too much for him, and he makes some dangerous choices seeking ways to help the bears and his parents. This suspenseful tale is impossible to put down, thrill seekers and reluctant readers alike will devour this first title in the Bearhaven series.
May 8, 2017
This is a fast paced and exciting read that will entertain its target audience. Moved by an act of abuse, Spencer's parents become bear activists. but advocacy can be dangerous and Spencer is whisked away from school by his uncle. Taken to a fantastical sanctuary dubbed Bearhaven, Spencer is plunged into ursine intrigue and a daring rescue.
this is a fun book with an imaginative plot. It will appeal to animal lovers. There is suspense but nothing too scary, violent or over the toop. Spencer is a character kids will relate to and the situation where his parents, though loving, seem to dedicate most of their time and energy to their work, is sadly true of many families. I thought the talking bears were a bit silly but overall an enjoyable adventure.
this is a fun book with an imaginative plot. It will appeal to animal lovers. There is suspense but nothing too scary, violent or over the toop. Spencer is a character kids will relate to and the situation where his parents, though loving, seem to dedicate most of their time and energy to their work, is sadly true of many families. I thought the talking bears were a bit silly but overall an enjoyable adventure.
October 14, 2015
I loved this book! A great adventure for boys or girls.
March 21, 2016
I think it was a very good book and the graphics were awesome!
April 7, 2018
Secrets of BearhavenSecrets of Bearhaven
“Secrets of BearHaven”, it is a very interesting story, but fiction, i would really recommend this book, its a fun book, an its a right choice. If you are looking for a very attractive book were you get really excited through it then come and read this book.
It talks about a boy named Spencer who lives with his uncle and parents in a peaceful place, having fun. His parents doesn’t see Spencer that much because of work, but what kind of work? They help bears to survive, they love bears so much. But one day, his uncle named Mark was speeding so fast with his car to get Spencer from school, and Spencer didn’t know what is happening, he kept speeding without explanation, Spencer realized there was a car chasing them, once they reached a corner, uncle Mark told Spencer to jump fast and run to the forest and find his friend to hide him until he comes back and escapes from this trouble. Uncle Mark told spencer that his friend is not a real person and that he is a bear, Spencer was shocked and was totally scared, he ran to the forest with hard breathes, he kept searching for the bear until he found him.
The bear looked friendly, they ate and walked, until they reached the “bears” home, Spencer wasn’t sure if it was safe but went inside and saw many bears which is uncle Marks friend (bear) family, Spencer greeted them and talked with them but didn’t feel comfortable, the bear told him to sleep but before he put his face down to go to sleep, a huge knock knocked on the door, Spencer was excited, IT WAS UNCLE MARK. Spencer went out of the bed and hugged Uncle Mark and then they all sat down and uncle Mark started explaining what happened and why is this all happening, uncle Mark told Spencer that… his parents are in trouble and have been captured while they
were in a mission to do. Spencer chocked and started crying and hoping they get well.
Later, after months, Spencer's parents came back and they got rescued, the people who tried to chase them for no reason (to kill them), go arrested that day when his parents got rescued. It was a happy ending, everything went well and good after that. The book didn't explain what really happened at the end other than that his parents got rescued, and that Spencer was so happy. His uncle had to travel away from where they lived because he had work to do, so he said a goodbye to them for now.
It is an interesting story, it includes fun parts and boring parts, I am not going to lie, this story could be one of the top stories because its idea is amazing and it could be turned into a movie in an amazing way and that movie would earn billions of dollars less than a week.I like the story very much because its fiction and it had imaginary ideas in a very interesting way, it does not have a main idea but it does have many ideas that can be understandable.I also liked the style of writing, I picked the right book, it has an interesting idea and point, it doesn’t make sense but it is fiction so that is what it is supposed to be, the story attracts the reader and knows what to do to make the reader fall in love with the book.
“Secrets of BearHaven”, it is a very interesting story, but fiction, i would really recommend this book, its a fun book, an its a right choice. If you are looking for a very attractive book were you get really excited through it then come and read this book.
It talks about a boy named Spencer who lives with his uncle and parents in a peaceful place, having fun. His parents doesn’t see Spencer that much because of work, but what kind of work? They help bears to survive, they love bears so much. But one day, his uncle named Mark was speeding so fast with his car to get Spencer from school, and Spencer didn’t know what is happening, he kept speeding without explanation, Spencer realized there was a car chasing them, once they reached a corner, uncle Mark told Spencer to jump fast and run to the forest and find his friend to hide him until he comes back and escapes from this trouble. Uncle Mark told spencer that his friend is not a real person and that he is a bear, Spencer was shocked and was totally scared, he ran to the forest with hard breathes, he kept searching for the bear until he found him.
The bear looked friendly, they ate and walked, until they reached the “bears” home, Spencer wasn’t sure if it was safe but went inside and saw many bears which is uncle Marks friend (bear) family, Spencer greeted them and talked with them but didn’t feel comfortable, the bear told him to sleep but before he put his face down to go to sleep, a huge knock knocked on the door, Spencer was excited, IT WAS UNCLE MARK. Spencer went out of the bed and hugged Uncle Mark and then they all sat down and uncle Mark started explaining what happened and why is this all happening, uncle Mark told Spencer that… his parents are in trouble and have been captured while they
were in a mission to do. Spencer chocked and started crying and hoping they get well.
Later, after months, Spencer's parents came back and they got rescued, the people who tried to chase them for no reason (to kill them), go arrested that day when his parents got rescued. It was a happy ending, everything went well and good after that. The book didn't explain what really happened at the end other than that his parents got rescued, and that Spencer was so happy. His uncle had to travel away from where they lived because he had work to do, so he said a goodbye to them for now.
It is an interesting story, it includes fun parts and boring parts, I am not going to lie, this story could be one of the top stories because its idea is amazing and it could be turned into a movie in an amazing way and that movie would earn billions of dollars less than a week.I like the story very much because its fiction and it had imaginary ideas in a very interesting way, it does not have a main idea but it does have many ideas that can be understandable.I also liked the style of writing, I picked the right book, it has an interesting idea and point, it doesn’t make sense but it is fiction so that is what it is supposed to be, the story attracts the reader and knows what to do to make the reader fall in love with the book.
November 24, 2017
2 Stars.
I listen to this on a road trip with my boys who are nine and seven. They loved it and I thought it was super boring. There’s very little actual action, and the suspension for disbelief as an adult was difficult to buy. As if 3 days of “bear training” would make a 11-year-old boy ready for a mission! Apparently enough little kids like this that there are three more in the series which surprises the heck out of me. While the writing wasnt absolutely atrocious it was a very slow and not particularly engaging plot. However, if you have kids that are really into animal activism, or really into bears in particular, this book will peak their interest as it has quite a few facts about the ways that bears are treated in miss treated in the United States. Aside from that, not one I would necessarily recommend.
I listen to this on a road trip with my boys who are nine and seven. They loved it and I thought it was super boring. There’s very little actual action, and the suspension for disbelief as an adult was difficult to buy. As if 3 days of “bear training” would make a 11-year-old boy ready for a mission! Apparently enough little kids like this that there are three more in the series which surprises the heck out of me. While the writing wasnt absolutely atrocious it was a very slow and not particularly engaging plot. However, if you have kids that are really into animal activism, or really into bears in particular, this book will peak their interest as it has quite a few facts about the ways that bears are treated in miss treated in the United States. Aside from that, not one I would necessarily recommend.
May 15, 2023
This book starts off with a bang, and is sure to reel in readers from the start. For me, it lulled a little midway through, and I had to force myself to finish, but I can see it being enjoyed by adventure and animal lovers. It was very clean.
Content Considerations:
- The bad guy's name is Pam. He's referred to with male pronouns, and there's no hint of impropriety, but there's never an explanation about his female name. He also doesn't enter the scene until the very end, and there's no resolution involving his character, so he'll obviously play a bigger part in the sequels.
Content Considerations:
- The bad guy's name is Pam. He's referred to with male pronouns, and there's no hint of impropriety, but there's never an explanation about his female name. He also doesn't enter the scene until the very end, and there's no resolution involving his character, so he'll obviously play a bigger part in the sequels.
May 12, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book would have changed my world as a ten, eleven or twelve year old. The talking bears are a great hook and the mystery surrounding them is played out at a perfect pace to hold your interest. As an adult reading this, I can appreciate the subtle educational aspects of the story and could see this sparking a real and lasting interest in bears for a young reader. Five stars. Highly recommended for young readers.
This book would have changed my world as a ten, eleven or twelve year old. The talking bears are a great hook and the mystery surrounding them is played out at a perfect pace to hold your interest. As an adult reading this, I can appreciate the subtle educational aspects of the story and could see this sparking a real and lasting interest in bears for a young reader. Five stars. Highly recommended for young readers.
May 16, 2017
After Spencer's parents went missing on a mission to save abused bears his uncle hid him in a secret city. That city happened to be inhabited by bears...that talk...and play video games. Now he is training like the bears to go on rescue missions, and to find his parents.
This was a really fun adventure perfect for younger (and older) readers.
This was a really fun adventure perfect for younger (and older) readers.
October 4, 2017
This book would be a good read aloud book for 2nd to 4th grade and could be read by a student from 4th grade to 6th grade. The genre of the book is fantasy. One cool feature about the book is that it has humans and bears working together and learning how to adapt to each other lives in a way.
November 28, 2017
This is a must read. Bearhaven is an adventure you don’t want to miss. Spencer’s parents are bear activists and are missing. He finds himself in Bearhaven, on a mission to save his parents and some bears that need his help!
July 4, 2021
I loved this book! Once I finished this book I wanted to read them all! This book was entertaining from start to finish. I could not put this book down! The plot is awesome and I would love to read the rest of the books to find out what adventures Spencer runs into. Truly one of my favorite books.
August 14, 2024
Read to the kiddo- this book started great and even I was excited. It didn't live up to that first chapter but it was alright. It's part of a series and the first book doesn't wrap up the bigger story.
December 13, 2017
It was cute and fun.
June 24, 2018
Perfect for elementary/middle school kids. Brings to light the dangers wild animals suffer at the hands of humans. This has an element of fantasy as well.
October 3, 2018
I liked this mystery. Notused to talking bears but what the heck. It has a good plot, but a sad ending. The young ones should enjoy this one.
April 5, 2019
I couldn't finish this book. I couldn't believe the world and I just was not engaged.
June 5, 2020
I listened to this on audiobook with my students (grade 4) and they loved it! We plan to collect the entire series for our class library.
July 27, 2020
Great book that really caught and captured the attention of my boys (aged 9 and 6)
August 11, 2020
~Read in 2018
June 1, 2021
This is my book review
This bookiest
Its about a boy finding out that the mom made a bear community and he bears can talk
This bookiest
Its about a boy finding out that the mom made a bear community and he bears can talk
January 1, 2026
Content is kinda heavy in places. Descriptions of animals being tortured. This momma approves 10+.Great boy centric series starter.
December 1, 2018
Genre: Science fiction/Fantasy and Mystery
Grade:4-8
Unique Feature: A young boy is sent to live in a society built of bears who live like humans
Grade:4-8
Unique Feature: A young boy is sent to live in a society built of bears who live like humans
November 2, 2017
Today We Did
Spencer has learnt a lot about bears in his eleven years, after all, both his parents work in bear advocacy, so he has been brought up on bear facts and stories. However, nothing could prepare him for the huge secret they have been keeping.
My ten year-old read Secrets of Bearhaven before I did. Afterwards, she told me it was the best book that she had read this year! Considering how many books she rips through every week, this was quite high praise, so I read it straight away. And I agree with her, this book is excellent. It is a very fast-paced novel full of action and excitement. There is intrigue, crafty villains, and amazing technological advancements. I was hooked from the first few pages, and now both my daughter and I want more!
The world of Bearhaven is beautifully constructed down to the smallest detail. The homes, the shops, roadways and fields; it is all described so carefully that the place comes alive. And the residents of Bearhaven are all very individual with varying physical characteristics and personalities. It would be amazing to walk among them and explore their beautiful home. Rocha has created a better world for these bears, completely hidden within our own world, and it is amazing.
All of the characters are well developed and complex. Spencer is a brave and determined boy who shows strength under pressure. He is clever, innovative and very likeable. He makes an excellent lead character. But it is Kate that I loved the most. The adorably curious and mischievous baby bear that befriends Spencer from their first moments together. She was quirky and fun and made me laugh. Uncle Mark is pretty cool too! I like the way he treats Spencer and the relationship that they have.
Most suitable for upper primary and lower high school students, Secrets of Bearhaven will not disappoint. And it is only the start of Spencer’s adventures; the story continues in Mission to Moon Farm, followed by Hidden Rock Rescue and the latest release, Battle for Bearhaven. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series soon.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
Spencer has learnt a lot about bears in his eleven years, after all, both his parents work in bear advocacy, so he has been brought up on bear facts and stories. However, nothing could prepare him for the huge secret they have been keeping.
My ten year-old read Secrets of Bearhaven before I did. Afterwards, she told me it was the best book that she had read this year! Considering how many books she rips through every week, this was quite high praise, so I read it straight away. And I agree with her, this book is excellent. It is a very fast-paced novel full of action and excitement. There is intrigue, crafty villains, and amazing technological advancements. I was hooked from the first few pages, and now both my daughter and I want more!
The world of Bearhaven is beautifully constructed down to the smallest detail. The homes, the shops, roadways and fields; it is all described so carefully that the place comes alive. And the residents of Bearhaven are all very individual with varying physical characteristics and personalities. It would be amazing to walk among them and explore their beautiful home. Rocha has created a better world for these bears, completely hidden within our own world, and it is amazing.
All of the characters are well developed and complex. Spencer is a brave and determined boy who shows strength under pressure. He is clever, innovative and very likeable. He makes an excellent lead character. But it is Kate that I loved the most. The adorably curious and mischievous baby bear that befriends Spencer from their first moments together. She was quirky and fun and made me laugh. Uncle Mark is pretty cool too! I like the way he treats Spencer and the relationship that they have.
Most suitable for upper primary and lower high school students, Secrets of Bearhaven will not disappoint. And it is only the start of Spencer’s adventures; the story continues in Mission to Moon Farm, followed by Hidden Rock Rescue and the latest release, Battle for Bearhaven. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series soon.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
July 10, 2016
This rating is from Jack and Lola. They loved the story so much that we've already pre-ordered the next book. There are some really funny parts and great parts about the boy learning to be a "rescuer." Lola liked that he proved to himself that he could do it.
January 27, 2016
My daughter loved this book by this new author. I can't wait for the next book to come out to give to my daughter !!!!
February 5, 2016
S. Really liked this book because of the mystery and the action and the lack of death. It was perfect for him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews