Hello from Renn Lake

by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Annalise Oliver, abandoned as a baby in a small Wisconsin town, has always had a special connection to Renn Lake, which is the town's livelihood. But this summer, when Annalise turns 12, a patch of algae quickly becomes a harmful bloom and Annalise can no longer hear Renn. She and her friends must find a way to save their beloved lake. Hello From Renn Lake is a heartfelt story about community, activism, and fighting for the things you love.

Genres: Middle Grade, Environment, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, Family, Friendship

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Award-winning author of five middle grade novels. HELLO FROM RENN LAKE (Random House/Wendy Lamb Books) is the 2021 Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award winner for children's fiction. Other books include THE SUMMER I SAVED THE WORLD...IN 65 DAYS, CALLI BE GOLD (both Random House) and ETHAN MARCUS STANDS UP and ETHAN MARCUS MAKES HIS MARK (both Simon & Schuster/Aladdin). Michele's books have been nominated for many state reading awards and received starred reviews. More at micheleweberhurwitz.com.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young environmentalists will like this one. This could be a good One School One Book read, especially for for schools that celebrate Earth Day.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very cute book for middle schoolers, but as an adult I enjoyed it a lot. Annalise is a 12-year-old girl who lives in Wisconsin. She was abandoned as a baby and was adopted by a married couple who own some rental cabins right by Renn Lake. She and her sister Jess grew up near the lake, but Annalise has a special connection to Renn. She can sometimes hear Renn speaking to her. When Renn becomes sick from toxic algae, it’s up to Annalise and her friends to help save her before it’s too late.

This book has a wonderful story but is also educational and fun. I loved it!

Thank you to Random House and Net Galley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Almost a mix of “Braiding Sweetgrass” and “Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus”. Sounds like a strange combo but it works and I loved it. Not action-packed so it won’t be for all my readers but definitely an awesome story!

[EJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely! Such a sweet and lovely little book about finding who you are and making your own families with a lot of interesting and relevant facts about lakes and how we can help them stay healthy!

[Dawn Foster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably more of a 2 1/2 star rating. Cute story, very current topic about the environment, and a little magical realism. However, way too many storylines that seemed forced in how they relate to one another & a totally unnecessary 3, 4 lines to say, "Zack is gay." Again, having nothing to do with the primary focus of the story. It felt as if the author (and the editor, even worse!) thought it was a good idea to throw in a reference about a character being gay as another 'hook' to appeal to readers. It's artificial & misleading & while this book had its flaws it is set in WI & features young students taking charge of a real environmental issue.

[Candance Doerr-Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed learning about lakes, algae blooms and floating plant islands. I would have enjoyed a bit more of a story or character development of the lake, but this was a good start at presenting the lake (and somewhat land) land as active agents in the ecosystem and not just resources to exploit for leisure, food, or profit.

"There are two beginnings of this story: mine, which goes back further than you can imagine, and the girls, which goes back only twelve years. From the day I first saw her in the bassinet, I knew we would be forever connected. The day she was left there." (p. 1)

New

[Baobablady (Stacy Greene) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I close my eyes I can imagine myself at Renn Lake - the cabins, and the sights, sounds, and smells of summer. I was instantly caught up in this book and the world of Annalise, her sister Jess, their parents, their friends, and, Renn. Annalise, who was abandoned as a baby by the shores of Renn Lake, is forever connected to the lake and it becomes a part of her very being and she can sense and hear the feelings of the lake and vice versa. Wait! A lake as a character? Indeed! Renn Lake plays a prominent role in this book and fits seamlessly into the network of this story. We are all motivated and inspired by different things. For Jess it may be acting one day and who knows the next! For Annalise, she is captured by the lake, and environment, and community that surrounds it. Annalise is starting to find her way in the world and explore her deep feelings of being abandoned at birth. To complicate things, something is going on with Renn Lake. The lake is becoming silent and there may be a threat to its survival. Annalise combines forces with a boy named Zach to get information and attempt heal the lake. Annalise finds help in unexpected places and makes discoveries about herself as well. In today's turbulent world, with the looming impacts of global warming, this book is needed now, more than ever. The author has brilliantly taken a story and interwoven the importance of protecting the environment and caring about the Earth. Children who are already interested in the environment will be able to see themselves in the pages of this book. Those who have not given any thought to ecology will enjoy the story, learn something, and perhaps be changed by what they read. As I leave the world of Renn Lake, I feel like I cannot go without running to the Thought Wall and leaving a message for the author: "Please write more!"

[M.L. Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

#kidlitexchange @kidlitexchange partner: Hello From Renn Lake by @micheleweberhurwitz, #wendylambbooks, and @randomhousekids. Releases May 26, 2020. ————————
In Hello From Renn Lake, our 12-year-old protagonist, Annalise, deals with many things: her abandonment as a baby (she was adopted), conflict with her sister, and, worst of all, the contamination of Renn Lake. As rental owners, Annalise’s parents make their living off the lake, and Annalise feels a connection to the water because that’s where she was found as a baby. With a small group of friends, Annalise uses environmental science to discover how to save the lake, coming to terms with her rough start in life as well.
This book feels like a classic summer read and I loved the vibe. The kids use their heads and figure out a solution to a very real problem (and the solution is super cool.) I also liked how the book addressed the unique rivalry experienced when a family has one biological child and one adopted child. It got a little angsty at times, but when I was 12, I read angsty. I was walking, breathing angst. A good story all around.
#kidlitexchange #kidlit #review #bookreview #hellofromrennlake #middlegrade #stem #bookreviews #summerreading #booksofig #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram

[Tina Athaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will be cheering for Annalise, Zach, and Maya as they fight to save Renn Lake. But this isn't only a story about climate change and the environment. Annalise has a strong connection to the lake that is unique only to her. She was abandoned at a gift shop nearby and feels the lake communicates with her. The Olivers, her adoptive parents, also run a resort on the shores of Lake Renn. When a layer of scum forms on the lake, putting it at risk, Annalise works with her friends to save the lake. Overcoming several obstacles, the kids install seven floating plant islands to fight against the algal bloom of cyanobacteria and in turn raise awareness about environmental conservation and start protecting Renn Lake.

Annalise has determination and passion for the lake and together she brings about a positive change. She is a great role model for young readers, which makes this book a good addition to school libraries and classrooms. For teachers, this book would make a good accompaniment to science units in Grades 5-8, and ties in nicely with standards. We are always looking for fiction, with strong characters and an exciting story that tie in science concepts. This book checks off those boxes.

I will be adding this to my classroom shelf.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annalise and Renn Lake, the beloved lake at her parents resort, are connected to one another ever since Annalise was a baby. An abandoned baby found after an unexpected flood at the lake.
Annalise talks to Renn and Renn listens. Renn answers. Renn knows things about Annalise that no one else knows. Renn is a comfort, as dependable as a friend. Until one day Renn is silent.
As an algae bloom threatens to choke the life out of the lake, Annalise is determined to do something to save Renn.

A brave and beautiful tale of our interconnectedness to nature, and how when one thing in the chain of life is sick, it affects us all. Annalise and her friends become environmental heroes who
take activism to the next level and do what needs to be done to make change.
A perfect story for our time. A story that reminds us we all need to listen to as well as observe what is happening around us. Nature speaks. We just need to listen. Should be part of every STEM classroom curriculum.

The book back matter lists links to numerous science sites about lakes, rivers, algae blooms, and
how to get involved in environmental causes.

[Shan Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

HELLO FROM RENN LAKE
By M. Weber Hurwitz

This sweet middle-grade story centers on the effects of an algal bloom (caused by pollution) on a Wisconsin lake. It is told from two main points of view—the lake itself, and 12-year-old Annalise, a girl who holds the lake dear.

The development of Annalise's character is well done, including the mysterious circumstances surrounding her entry into the world. Her mission to save the lake and her family's lakeside vacation rental business is believable and relatable and a great message for readers—children have the power to create change in the world.

The educational elements of the algal issue are explained in simple terms appropriate for middle-graders and the entire Renn Lake community's involvement and activism to improve the health of the waterway are encouraging and hopeful.

A perfect summer read!

@kidlitexchange #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit @randomhousekids #wendylambbooks @micheleweberhurwitz

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Themes: Environment (nature) / Effects of pollution (run off, etc.) / Child abandonment / Adoption into loving family / Small town / LGBTQIA+ character

Summary: And then one day, the lake when silent. Annalise Oliver's family has owned and run lakeside cabins in Renn Lake, Wisconsin, for generations. This summer, with her younger sister focused on being an actress and her best friend babysitting rambunctious twin boys, Annalise is working and spending as much time as she can by her beloved lake. When she was three years old, Annalise discovered that she could sense what Renn Lake was thinking and feeling. Now, at twelve, she still turns to Renn for comfort. But when a small patch of algae quickly grows into a harmful bloom, Annalise can no longer hear Renn. She and her friends must find a way to save the lake. Writing from the perspectives of both the lake and Annalise, acclaimed author Michele Weber Hurwitz tells a sensitive and heartfelt story about community, activism, and fighting for the things you love. -- inside book jacket

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story from two viewpoints....Annalise and Renn. Annalise was abandoned as a baby in Alden's store on the banks of Renn lake. Renn is the lake who Annalise can actually hear....it is the place she goes when she needs comfort, Renn told her she'd take care of Annalise.
Now Annalise is turning 12. She has adoptive parents who rent cabins in the summer on the lake along with a sister Jess who wants to be an actress more than anything. Helping at Renn lake cabins is a joy for Annalise. But this summer something terrible happens. The lake becomes sick and it's up to Annalise and her friends to save her.
This is a great book to introduce kids to problems of global warming. How it affects lakes and other waterways. Hearing the perspective of the lake and nearly river help to show the dangers of pollution. We feel for Renn and want Annalise to succeed in saving the lake. Besides the environment and our place in it, this book looks at adoption and feelings of abandonment that Annalise is going through.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello from Renn Lake is told from two perspectives — Annalise and the lake. Annalise was abandoned as a baby and the lake helped people find her. Since then, the lake has always watched out for Annalise. It’s been a comfort, a part of Annalise’s family. When the lake becomes ill, it’s as if a family member is dying.

I love how author Michele Weber Hurwitz has chosen to give the lake a voice. Conversations with nature are cathartic, and it’s not hard to imagine nature whispering back. My 6-year-old talks to the flowers in our yard and to trees on the trail. She is her happiest when at one with nature. Annalise has that same spark, that same dogged determination. She is authentic.

Annalise’s relationship with her parents and sister also hold true. There’s a natural ebb and flow to their family dynamic that adds weight to the book.

Hello from Renn Lake is a fast and educational read (algal blooms are a big environmental issue). It’s a fantastic option for summer reading.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Annalise was a foundling, abandoned near the shores of Renn Lake 12 years ago. As a result, she has felt a kinship with the lake itself her entire life, even hearing it when it talks to her. Now a terrible algae bloom has threatened her lake, plus her family's lakefront cabin livelihood. With the help of a new friend, Zach, and her best friend, Maya, she begins to come to terms with her past and figures out how they can save the lake. Zach comes out to her as gay, and it's just another part of the story, woven in seamlessly.

I enjoy books about summers in small towns, and this fits the bill while educating its readers. Annalise is a well-developed main character, and we do get to learn a little bit about peripheral characters.

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about a little girl who was abandoned at a Garden Center/Gift Shop when she was a baby. She is taken in by a loving family who owns and manages rental cabins at Renn Lake, Wisconsin. This is a story of family, friendship, and fighting for what you believe in. I loved the elements of magical realism where points of view changed from Renn (the lake), Tru (the river), and Annalise (the little girl). "Hello from Renn Lake" made the readers aware of environmental issues in our lakes, which is a valid concern in the real world today. I love that the characters in this story came together to come up with a solution, but it is not a quick fix to a very real and serious problem.

[Erin Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

My twelve-year-old son and I both really enjoyed this book and talked in depth about how much we learned from it regarding environmental issues. In fact, this book helped my son learn new ways to advocate for the planet and to take care of it, which inspires hope in me for this upcoming generation. This is a great summer read with fun characters, humor and heart, and a lovely message that nevertheless doesn't sugar coat difficult issues. All in all, it's a wonderful middle grade read that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, important middle grade that captures the impact of a harmful algal bloom to a beloved lake. Annalise, who is adopted, and friends find a solution to help the suffocating Renn Lake, which Annalise has a special bond with. (Both the lake and the river have a voice in this story, a beautiful detail.) I loved the descriptions of summer and lakeside cabins!

Bonus: lots of kid-friendly information about the science of stormwater runoff, algal blooms and the importance of lakes and rivers. Climate change is subtly and appropriately handled.

[Mindythebookyenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

You had me from Hello! Hello From Renn Lake by Michele Weber Hurwitz is my favorite book of Summer 2020. 12 year old Annalisa is outgrowing Found Day, the annual family celebration of her abandonment by her birth mother. There is a gentle hint of magic in this story, Annalisa can hear the Lake. With issues of environmentalism, and diversity this magically told story is about standing up for what's important and knowing who you are. Don't Miss This One!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
One of the things that attracted me to this story is how much it reminded me of Spirited Away. There is a magical element to where our main character has a connection with her environment. This same girl has issues with her family life and her feelings of belonging are valid considering her upbringing. (I’m trying to be vague *cough* *cough*)
The key point to take away is we have to make changes in our lives young and old otherwise where are we going to live.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously I am not the audience for this, so maybe I just am not the right person to have opinions about this book. Even so, I wondered whether some of the choices here were working in the book's favor—like anthropomorphizing the lake and river, which didn't do much for the story (especially the late-stage development where the river feels guilty about murdering someone???). Love the idea of this book and I'm glad I read it but the execution was not my favorite.

[Cate Holden]

I loved this but I think that the ending was a little too easy for them. I think if there was a little bit more drama towards the end it would have gotten 5 stars. Also, Jess (I refuse to call her JessiKa) was SO annoying. She was always complaining on Annalise's found day because she wasn't getting enough attention, even though it was Annalise's day. But I really loved this book. The cover is amazing!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel captures so many aspects of tween life and skillfully weaves in an environmental theme. Many readers will connect with Annalise and admire her moxie as she listens to her heart about her own past and the future of the lake she calls her own. Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the E-ARC.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook was so good! The voice of the lake added so much to the story. I can’t imagine just reading the book on paper. I love how the book taught us about how to fix the problem in a natural way. It didn’t focus on how it got that bad, but focused more on how to make it better. What a wonderful hopeful book.

[RedFoxBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing book! I love how the author managed to create a fun fiction book that clearly described the consequences of pollution and global warming. I really enjoyed reading it because of that, and because it also was a wonderful imaginative story at the same time. This might be one of my new favorites!

[Erin Varley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect blend of story, ecology, and activism. Kids will take a lot away from this tale about Annalise and her family’s summer cottage rentals at Renn Lake. When an algal bloom threatens her beloved lake and her family’s way of life, Annalise must do something.

Thank you to Wendy Lamb Books for sharing a copy of this book with our #bookexpedition group. Out May 2020.

[Carolyn Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful coming of age story for middle grade readers and the adults in their lives. It's about youth activism at its finest, saving a community and their beloved Wisconsin lake, and finding one's voice all rolled into one.

[Patricia Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a children’s novel, a prospective winner for the Green Earth Book Award. Such a clever way to write an authentic environmental story, with chapters spoken by Renn, the Lake, Tru the river, and our protagonist Annalise, who solves the crisis.

[Courtenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I love that one of the narrators is the lake itself. Clever and unique. Love the message that kids can make a difference in the health of our ecosystems, but not done in a didactic way. Love the story of a "found" baby and coming to terms with herself and her lake. So much to appreciate!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book about friendship, family, cabin life and caring for the environment for middle teens that adults will enjoy too. I have a fondness for this book because my mom grew up in the Lake Geneva, WI area and I know how special lakes and trees are.