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Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet
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.
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.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
19 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 23, 2022
This is a great book about eco-anxiety. I love that the main character is vegetarian and is considering becoming vegan. I love that she cares about climate change/the planet and that she cares about animals.
Haven is a relatable and believable character. I love her and think that most of the characters are also well written. This is a truly realistic children’s realistic fiction novel. I appreciate that. There are only a couple of minor things that made it not perfect for me but it’s still a full 5 stars worthy book.
I think this is an fine book for people of all ages. Highly recommended for readers age 9-12 and for classroom and family reading aloud. It’s a wonderful discussion book and a good book to pair with doing some sort of environmental project or projects.
I looked up other books by this author and they all look good and I would have loved them when I was 9-12 and wish there had been more books like that available when I was the target age. There are so many outstanding books for kids now! This one is topical and important and a great addition to the genre.
Charming pen and ink drawings of frogs and penguins.
Haven is a relatable and believable character. I love her and think that most of the characters are also well written. This is a truly realistic children’s realistic fiction novel. I appreciate that. There are only a couple of minor things that made it not perfect for me but it’s still a full 5 stars worthy book.
I think this is an fine book for people of all ages. Highly recommended for readers age 9-12 and for classroom and family reading aloud. It’s a wonderful discussion book and a good book to pair with doing some sort of environmental project or projects.
I looked up other books by this author and they all look good and I would have loved them when I was 9-12 and wish there had been more books like that available when I was the target age. There are so many outstanding books for kids now! This one is topical and important and a great addition to the genre.
Charming pen and ink drawings of frogs and penguins.
January 5, 2023
Seventh-grade is proving difficult for twelve-year-old Haven. There’s a lot more work required than last year. Some friendships that she’s counted on for a long time seem to be changing, especially with Archer. Most troubling of all, however, are the facts that Haven is learning in science class, about climate change, and global warming, and melting glaciers, etc. She actually becomes unable to sleep at night, worrying about all these things occurring.
Haven has always been somewhat of a worry-wort, so her friends and family don’t think it’s too serious when she begins freaking out about the planet in crisis. She desperately wants to DO something to help, but feels overwhelmed and helpless. When her class takes on a project concerning analysis of the local river, their data shows some alarming results that could be affecting the wildlife of their own town…
The author was spot-on with the details of middle-school life, and its constant up-and-down drama. As Barbara Dee mentions in her end notes, one thing is very different for today’s middle-schoolers than it was for her: kids at that time didn’t worry about the climate change, or the future of the planet.
I think this would be a great book for teachers to use in classrooms. The problem of “doom scrolling” is addressed, as well as advice on not believing everything on the internet; very relevant subjects for modern-day students. Haven and her classmates would be relatable to anyone who is experiencing middle-school.
Red Flags/Trigger Warning
As I was an anxious child myself, reading this book would have kept me awake at night had I read it then. There are serious topics discussed, which might need to be addressed by adults with children who are more sensitive.
Haven has always been somewhat of a worry-wort, so her friends and family don’t think it’s too serious when she begins freaking out about the planet in crisis. She desperately wants to DO something to help, but feels overwhelmed and helpless. When her class takes on a project concerning analysis of the local river, their data shows some alarming results that could be affecting the wildlife of their own town…
The author was spot-on with the details of middle-school life, and its constant up-and-down drama. As Barbara Dee mentions in her end notes, one thing is very different for today’s middle-schoolers than it was for her: kids at that time didn’t worry about the climate change, or the future of the planet.
I think this would be a great book for teachers to use in classrooms. The problem of “doom scrolling” is addressed, as well as advice on not believing everything on the internet; very relevant subjects for modern-day students. Haven and her classmates would be relatable to anyone who is experiencing middle-school.
Red Flags/Trigger Warning
As I was an anxious child myself, reading this book would have kept me awake at night had I read it then. There are serious topics discussed, which might need to be addressed by adults with children who are more sensitive.
April 23, 2023
Just the book I needed!
This book is awesome! Writing, cover, characters, plot, the ending, the discussions and the pace. Everything’s perfect.
Thought provoking. Realistic. Just the perfect book to be read by everyone. Save our planet. Save ourselves. Let’s be selfish. Let it be the only thing good that would come out of being selfish together.
This book is awesome! Writing, cover, characters, plot, the ending, the discussions and the pace. Everything’s perfect.
Thought provoking. Realistic. Just the perfect book to be read by everyone. Save our planet. Save ourselves. Let’s be selfish. Let it be the only thing good that would come out of being selfish together.
November 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee
2022 Publication Date: September 27
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
️
T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Best Book Club Books
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Children's Books
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Small actions add up to big changes... So pick your actions carefully... They are adding up...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee is a must-read for middle-grade readers and adults alike. With a relatable protagonist and an inspiring story, this book will leave you feeling hopeful about the future of our planet.
In her latest novel, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, Barbara Dee tackles the weighty issue of climate change with sensitivity and humor. Through the eyes of twelve-year-old Haven Jacobs, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery as Haven learns to channel her anxiety about the planet into taking action in her community.
Not only is Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet an important book in best children's books for raising awareness about the environment, but it's also a fun and engaging read. Middle-grade readers and young kids will easily relate to Haven's struggles with anxiety and feelings of helplessness. And they will cheer her on as she learns to use her voice to make a difference.
• The Power of Storytelling in Raising Awareness about Climate Change
One of the things that I loved most about Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet was the way that Barbara Dee used storytelling to raise awareness about climate change.
As a children's author, Dee has a deep understanding of how to use children's fiction and kids' books to educate and inform readers about important issues. And she does so in a way that is neither didactic nor preachy. Rather, she allows readers to come to their conclusions about the characters' motivations and the choices they make. This makes for a much more enjoyable and thought-provoking reading experience and will certainly win over a reluctant reader.
• The Importance of Hope and Optimism in Times of Crisis
Another theme that I loved exploring in Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet was the importance of hope and optimism in times of crisis. Haven is initially paralyzed by her anxiety about the state of the planet and what she perceives as adults' complacency in the face of environmental catastrophe. But as she begins to take action in her community, she starts to feel hopeful again. And that hope fuels her efforts to make even more positive changes.
I think this is an important message for kids (and adults!) to hear right now. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all that is happening in the world today — from climate change to political divisions — but it's important to remember that every individual has the power to make a difference. A valuable lesson filled with opportunities for audience insights. As Haven shows us, even small acts can have a big impact when we work together towards a common goal.
Perfect for readers (and school teachers) looking for a beautifully written book that is both entertaining and informative... And will appeal to both young readers and adults alike.
A middle-grade novel that follows twelve-year-old Haven as she channels her anxiety about climate change into taking action in her community. It's an important book within the best children's books and children's literature to introduce children to raising awareness about environmental issues, and it's sure to inspire young readers to start making positive changes in their own lives.
So pick up a copy today and join Haven on her mission to save the planet!...
And, I'll meet you at the river, folks...✨😎✨
Pages: 302
Genre: Children's Books
Sub-Genre: Environment | Middle Grade
Reading Age: 9 - 13 years
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Library Girl: How Nancy Pearl Became America's Most Celebrated Librarian by Karen Henry Clark
Movie: A Beautiful Planet
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Climate change is a hot topic these days, and it's only getting hotter... pun intended!
As the world around us burns, it can be hard to feel like there's anything we can do to make a difference. But hope is not lost! People are fighting for our planet every day, and kids are often leading the charge.
One such kid is Haven Jacobs, the twelve-year-old protagonist of Barbara Dee's middle-grade novel, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet. Haven is just like any other kid her age — dealing with friendships, school, and boys. But she's also contending with something that most adults struggle with: anxiety about the climate crisis.
As her anxiety begins to interfere with her everyday life, Haven decides to channel her energy into something positive and rallies her community to save a local river as the annual school project by the science teacher starts to show some surprising results. Along the way, she learns that one person really can make a difference.
This book is perfect for middle-grade readers who are looking for the best children's books with a relatable protagonist and an inspiring story. It's also a great pick for adults who need a reminder that it's never too late to fight for what's right.
So pick up a copy of Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet today and introduce kids to how one young girl (or young boy) really can change the world!
If you love the emotional exploration of reading popular children's books such as Charlotte's Web or Where The Wild Things Are but without the magical world or magical land theme, you may find this to be a potential classic story to add to your bookshelf of must-read chapter books for younger readers.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• It's never too late to make a difference.
• Small actions can have a big impact when we work together towards a common goal.
• Hope is essential in times of crisis.
BOOK QUOTE:
"Balls were rolling... Wheels were turning... Just because I couldn't see those balls and wheels didn't mean things weren't happening... Good things..." — Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
2022 Publication Date: September 27
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
️
T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read
T.I.M.E. Best Book Club Books
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Children's Books
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Small actions add up to big changes... So pick your actions carefully... They are adding up...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee is a must-read for middle-grade readers and adults alike. With a relatable protagonist and an inspiring story, this book will leave you feeling hopeful about the future of our planet.
In her latest novel, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, Barbara Dee tackles the weighty issue of climate change with sensitivity and humor. Through the eyes of twelve-year-old Haven Jacobs, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery as Haven learns to channel her anxiety about the planet into taking action in her community.
Not only is Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet an important book in best children's books for raising awareness about the environment, but it's also a fun and engaging read. Middle-grade readers and young kids will easily relate to Haven's struggles with anxiety and feelings of helplessness. And they will cheer her on as she learns to use her voice to make a difference.
• The Power of Storytelling in Raising Awareness about Climate Change
One of the things that I loved most about Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet was the way that Barbara Dee used storytelling to raise awareness about climate change.
As a children's author, Dee has a deep understanding of how to use children's fiction and kids' books to educate and inform readers about important issues. And she does so in a way that is neither didactic nor preachy. Rather, she allows readers to come to their conclusions about the characters' motivations and the choices they make. This makes for a much more enjoyable and thought-provoking reading experience and will certainly win over a reluctant reader.
• The Importance of Hope and Optimism in Times of Crisis
Another theme that I loved exploring in Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet was the importance of hope and optimism in times of crisis. Haven is initially paralyzed by her anxiety about the state of the planet and what she perceives as adults' complacency in the face of environmental catastrophe. But as she begins to take action in her community, she starts to feel hopeful again. And that hope fuels her efforts to make even more positive changes.
I think this is an important message for kids (and adults!) to hear right now. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all that is happening in the world today — from climate change to political divisions — but it's important to remember that every individual has the power to make a difference. A valuable lesson filled with opportunities for audience insights. As Haven shows us, even small acts can have a big impact when we work together towards a common goal.
Perfect for readers (and school teachers) looking for a beautifully written book that is both entertaining and informative... And will appeal to both young readers and adults alike.
A middle-grade novel that follows twelve-year-old Haven as she channels her anxiety about climate change into taking action in her community. It's an important book within the best children's books and children's literature to introduce children to raising awareness about environmental issues, and it's sure to inspire young readers to start making positive changes in their own lives.
So pick up a copy today and join Haven on her mission to save the planet!...
And, I'll meet you at the river, folks...✨😎✨
Pages: 302
Genre: Children's Books
Sub-Genre: Environment | Middle Grade
Reading Age: 9 - 13 years
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Library Girl: How Nancy Pearl Became America's Most Celebrated Librarian by Karen Henry Clark
Movie: A Beautiful Planet
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Climate change is a hot topic these days, and it's only getting hotter... pun intended!
As the world around us burns, it can be hard to feel like there's anything we can do to make a difference. But hope is not lost! People are fighting for our planet every day, and kids are often leading the charge.
One such kid is Haven Jacobs, the twelve-year-old protagonist of Barbara Dee's middle-grade novel, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet. Haven is just like any other kid her age — dealing with friendships, school, and boys. But she's also contending with something that most adults struggle with: anxiety about the climate crisis.
As her anxiety begins to interfere with her everyday life, Haven decides to channel her energy into something positive and rallies her community to save a local river as the annual school project by the science teacher starts to show some surprising results. Along the way, she learns that one person really can make a difference.
This book is perfect for middle-grade readers who are looking for the best children's books with a relatable protagonist and an inspiring story. It's also a great pick for adults who need a reminder that it's never too late to fight for what's right.
So pick up a copy of Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet today and introduce kids to how one young girl (or young boy) really can change the world!
If you love the emotional exploration of reading popular children's books such as Charlotte's Web or Where The Wild Things Are but without the magical world or magical land theme, you may find this to be a potential classic story to add to your bookshelf of must-read chapter books for younger readers.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• It's never too late to make a difference.
• Small actions can have a big impact when we work together towards a common goal.
• Hope is essential in times of crisis.
BOOK QUOTE:
"Balls were rolling... Wheels were turning... Just because I couldn't see those balls and wheels didn't mean things weren't happening... Good things..." — Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee
--------------------
All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-...
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
// COME ON OVER & SAY HELLO!...
Website: https://thisismyeverybody.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsMyEve...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thisismyeve...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismyeve...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismyever...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/t_everybody
And let's be friends here on Goodreads too!... ✨😎✨
November 10, 2022
This is exactly the kind of book I've been searching for recently. I love how it addresses the climate crisis upfront, straightforwardly, without flowery words or vague metaphors. Planet Earth is both burning and drowning and we should talk about it exactly like it is.
This middle grade climate fiction which revolves around Haven Jacobs' rising awareness in the climate emergency and difficulties navigating friendships is an absolute gem and if I could give copies of this book to local schools I would. It contains an important story about voicing out one's concerns and working in solidarity towards issues that impacts everyone.
The severity of the climate crisis is manifested through natural disasters around the world and learning about all those catastrophes can feel paralyzing because of the powerlessness it brings out to the person. Haven Jacobs shows that even if we can't individually save the entire planet, we can find local environmental issues that needs addressing and start there. For better or for worse, people find it easier to relate to issues happening in their backyard than in, say, penguins in Antarctica or marine life in the Great Barrier Reef. Showing people how climate change impacts their own homes and livelihoods is great way to start spreading the message of climate action and justice. We need people to see the connection between the typhoons getting stronger year after year and the global warming and climate change. We are interconnected, nature and humans, whether we like it or not.
This feels like a pretty believable story and that kids are indeed having climate anxiety in this period of time. I love how the author used river health as the story's main conflict, and how it sensitively approached how kids would have different reactions and coping mechanism to environmental and climate issues. It's easy to give up amid the decreasing hope, but things worth it are things difficult to achieve. In the face of losing hope, we need to band together in solidarity and demand climate justice and action from world leaders and the wealthiest (and most polluting) corporations. We owe the children a future in a flourishing Earth.
One person can effect a spark, then a movement. But a movement needs more than just one person for it to ~move. The climate crisis is the biggest and most urgent issue in the modern human civilization. The call for climate action and justice will be louder with more people joining in the chants. Solidarity is vital.
-
This book really spoke to me. I'm so glad it popped up on search results when I looked for climate fiction books on Libby. Highly recommended! Actually I'm begging y'all to read it
This middle grade climate fiction which revolves around Haven Jacobs' rising awareness in the climate emergency and difficulties navigating friendships is an absolute gem and if I could give copies of this book to local schools I would. It contains an important story about voicing out one's concerns and working in solidarity towards issues that impacts everyone.
The severity of the climate crisis is manifested through natural disasters around the world and learning about all those catastrophes can feel paralyzing because of the powerlessness it brings out to the person. Haven Jacobs shows that even if we can't individually save the entire planet, we can find local environmental issues that needs addressing and start there. For better or for worse, people find it easier to relate to issues happening in their backyard than in, say, penguins in Antarctica or marine life in the Great Barrier Reef. Showing people how climate change impacts their own homes and livelihoods is great way to start spreading the message of climate action and justice. We need people to see the connection between the typhoons getting stronger year after year and the global warming and climate change. We are interconnected, nature and humans, whether we like it or not.
This feels like a pretty believable story and that kids are indeed having climate anxiety in this period of time. I love how the author used river health as the story's main conflict, and how it sensitively approached how kids would have different reactions and coping mechanism to environmental and climate issues. It's easy to give up amid the decreasing hope, but things worth it are things difficult to achieve. In the face of losing hope, we need to band together in solidarity and demand climate justice and action from world leaders and the wealthiest (and most polluting) corporations. We owe the children a future in a flourishing Earth.
One person can effect a spark, then a movement. But a movement needs more than just one person for it to ~move. The climate crisis is the biggest and most urgent issue in the modern human civilization. The call for climate action and justice will be louder with more people joining in the chants. Solidarity is vital.
-
This book really spoke to me. I'm so glad it popped up on search results when I looked for climate fiction books on Libby. Highly recommended! Actually I'm begging y'all to read it
January 23, 2023
4.5 stars---I loved this book. Haven Jacobs is a seventh grader who, like the Lorax, “cares a whole, whole lot.” The environmental crisis is filling her with anxiety above and beyond the usual stresses of middle school. She isn’t sure what she, as kid, can do until a classroom science project determines that someone is illegally dumping pollution into the local river. Adopting the mindset of “think globally, act locally,” Haven has found a project to channel her energy and ideals and save a local ecosystem in the process.
I won’t be surprised if this book gets some pooh-poohing from certain segments of the population. Some will say kids shouldn't be thinking about climate change, but correct me if I’m wrong, it seems the exact same people believe that adults shouldn’t be concerned about the environment, either. Yet it will be today’s children who will someday bear the brunt of environmental destruction.
There was not only a demonstration of a kid who’s concerned about big issues working on important problems with her community, there is character modeling for parents in taking kids’ concerns seriously. I was so heartened to read of Haven’s parents supporting her in her cause instead of arguing or dismissing her concerns. Not every kid in the story has this kind of rapport with their parents; a classmate of Haven’s has a father who becomes angry any time his son mentions environmental topics.
I won’t lie, at first I was surprised that many of Haven's classmates were also concerned about the environment and eager to participate in preserving the river. It certainly wasn’t popular to care about much of anything when I was Haven’s age. I reminded myself I went to grade school decades before today's kids were even born, in a place where caring for the earth/animals was often seen as wimpy and laughable. Books such as this give me hope for the younger generations.
And finally, I loved that Haven is a vegetarian. Children’s (and adult!) media are filled with characters who crusade for animals or the environment while ignoring the biggest animal welfare issue of them all and one of the biggest ecological issues—the industrial farming of animals. As Haven explains, it’s a small thing she can do to make a difference each day, and I applaud the author for including this aspect of the character.
I won’t be surprised if this book gets some pooh-poohing from certain segments of the population. Some will say kids shouldn't be thinking about climate change, but correct me if I’m wrong, it seems the exact same people believe that adults shouldn’t be concerned about the environment, either. Yet it will be today’s children who will someday bear the brunt of environmental destruction.
There was not only a demonstration of a kid who’s concerned about big issues working on important problems with her community, there is character modeling for parents in taking kids’ concerns seriously. I was so heartened to read of Haven’s parents supporting her in her cause instead of arguing or dismissing her concerns. Not every kid in the story has this kind of rapport with their parents; a classmate of Haven’s has a father who becomes angry any time his son mentions environmental topics.
I won’t lie, at first I was surprised that many of Haven's classmates were also concerned about the environment and eager to participate in preserving the river. It certainly wasn’t popular to care about much of anything when I was Haven’s age. I reminded myself I went to grade school decades before today's kids were even born, in a place where caring for the earth/animals was often seen as wimpy and laughable. Books such as this give me hope for the younger generations.
And finally, I loved that Haven is a vegetarian. Children’s (and adult!) media are filled with characters who crusade for animals or the environment while ignoring the biggest animal welfare issue of them all and one of the biggest ecological issues—the industrial farming of animals. As Haven explains, it’s a small thing she can do to make a difference each day, and I applaud the author for including this aspect of the character.
March 14, 2022
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” -MLK, Jr.
🌍
Haven Jacobs can’t stop thinking about the climate crisis. She sees a video in science class about the melting glaciers in Antarctica and has to run from the room to hide in the bathroom and research immediately. The level of anxiety she has is affecting her schoolwork, her sleep and her relationships with family and friends. When Haven’s social studies teacher encourages her to get involved with the river clean up project, she’s all ready to make a difference. But the scientific findings of the river show major pollution happening. The only change in the past year has been a new pharmaceutical company called Gemba coming in and providing new jobs and lots of sponsorships around town. Even Haven’s dad works for them. Could they be the culprit? Now Haven must decide to either protect her father’s job or stand up for what she knows is right.
🌎
Barbara Dee is an automatic read for me, as she is the QUEEN of the tough middle grade topics in novels. This MG book is another great example of the impact this author has on today’s youth. As someone who has worked with gifted students for years, so many of them have eco anxiety as well as other anxieties and sensitivities to world issues. I know so many other students are feeling these feelings deeply and powerfully about our planet too. Dee nails how the anxiety is expressed in those students through nail-biting, nightmares, insomnia, upset stomachs, panic attacks and more. For anyone who has been following Greta Thunberg’s story or any other child eco-activist, they will find a champion in Haven. This is a must-read for any upper elementary or middle school classroom & library. Haven Jacobs will hit shelves on September 27. Add it to your TBR immediately. Dee is a gift to every teacher, student and librarian on this planet we love so much.
CW: anxiety, bullying, panic attacks
🌍
Haven Jacobs can’t stop thinking about the climate crisis. She sees a video in science class about the melting glaciers in Antarctica and has to run from the room to hide in the bathroom and research immediately. The level of anxiety she has is affecting her schoolwork, her sleep and her relationships with family and friends. When Haven’s social studies teacher encourages her to get involved with the river clean up project, she’s all ready to make a difference. But the scientific findings of the river show major pollution happening. The only change in the past year has been a new pharmaceutical company called Gemba coming in and providing new jobs and lots of sponsorships around town. Even Haven’s dad works for them. Could they be the culprit? Now Haven must decide to either protect her father’s job or stand up for what she knows is right.
🌎
Barbara Dee is an automatic read for me, as she is the QUEEN of the tough middle grade topics in novels. This MG book is another great example of the impact this author has on today’s youth. As someone who has worked with gifted students for years, so many of them have eco anxiety as well as other anxieties and sensitivities to world issues. I know so many other students are feeling these feelings deeply and powerfully about our planet too. Dee nails how the anxiety is expressed in those students through nail-biting, nightmares, insomnia, upset stomachs, panic attacks and more. For anyone who has been following Greta Thunberg’s story or any other child eco-activist, they will find a champion in Haven. This is a must-read for any upper elementary or middle school classroom & library. Haven Jacobs will hit shelves on September 27. Add it to your TBR immediately. Dee is a gift to every teacher, student and librarian on this planet we love so much.
CW: anxiety, bullying, panic attacks
June 3, 2022
This was the book I needed ten years ago, when I was an anxious seventh-grader worrying about the world. And in many ways, it’s the book I still need today.
The truth is: climate change is real. We’ve already caused permanent damage to our planet. Even if we stopped emitting carbon tomorrow, we will still face decades of drought, catastrophic weather, and crises over resources.
The truth is hard to bear, especially for kids growing up in today’s world. Eco-anxiety, or the crippling fear of climate change, is becoming increasingly common. Many adults might be surprised to hear that some of the symptoms described by Haven and her classmates (nightmares, stomach cramps, panic attacks, hopelessness) are real and common among today’s teens.
We need action against climate change, and we need it fast. But we also need to support our young people as they learn to cope with a challenge that, in all likelihood, will define their generation.
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is a story that we need to hear. It reminds us that small actions are still important, even if they seem futile. At the same time, it’s an important meditation on the pitfalls of activism. Through her struggles, Haven learns that although she cannot save the planet, she can still raise her voice to raise environmental justice issues in her own community. She learns that advocacy isn’t easy, that climate change might not have a happy ending, and that worry without action is pointless. But most importantly, she learns to find hope in the small moments and within the hearts of those around her.
I received a free electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The truth is: climate change is real. We’ve already caused permanent damage to our planet. Even if we stopped emitting carbon tomorrow, we will still face decades of drought, catastrophic weather, and crises over resources.
The truth is hard to bear, especially for kids growing up in today’s world. Eco-anxiety, or the crippling fear of climate change, is becoming increasingly common. Many adults might be surprised to hear that some of the symptoms described by Haven and her classmates (nightmares, stomach cramps, panic attacks, hopelessness) are real and common among today’s teens.
We need action against climate change, and we need it fast. But we also need to support our young people as they learn to cope with a challenge that, in all likelihood, will define their generation.
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is a story that we need to hear. It reminds us that small actions are still important, even if they seem futile. At the same time, it’s an important meditation on the pitfalls of activism. Through her struggles, Haven learns that although she cannot save the planet, she can still raise her voice to raise environmental justice issues in her own community. She learns that advocacy isn’t easy, that climate change might not have a happy ending, and that worry without action is pointless. But most importantly, she learns to find hope in the small moments and within the hearts of those around her.
I received a free electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2022
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Barbara Dee has become a favorite author in such a short time, and her latest does not disappoint. Haven learns about climate change and all that it impacts, and like many middle grade readers, she is disturbed and upset. In Haven’s case, she’s upset not only because of the ramifications to the environment, but also because the people around her don't share her level of concern. She remains focused, and seeks help from her school, friends, and family. This will definitely inspire readers to stand up and lend their voices to causes that are important to them.
Barbara Dee has become a favorite author in such a short time, and her latest does not disappoint. Haven learns about climate change and all that it impacts, and like many middle grade readers, she is disturbed and upset. In Haven’s case, she’s upset not only because of the ramifications to the environment, but also because the people around her don't share her level of concern. She remains focused, and seeks help from her school, friends, and family. This will definitely inspire readers to stand up and lend their voices to causes that are important to them.
October 2, 2022
I absolutely love Haven! She may feel anxious often but her heart is in the right place! She wants to protect the world, but she needs sleep and calm. Her teacher suggests the river project will give her a chance to help her local nature and impact her community. Haven notices problems with the river, collects data, researches and uses her voice along with her 7th grade team to raise awareness! Is awareness enough?
A must read! Middle schoolers will love this one! #environment #climatechange #activism #voice
A must read! Middle schoolers will love this one! #environment #climatechange #activism #voice
March 23, 2022
Climate anxiety is an absolutely horrible kind of fear that's unique to this generation and will only grow stronger as time goes on. This is a sorely needed book, and I hope there are more like it in the future.
November 15, 2022
When I was a 12 year old 7th grader, I would have loved this book so much- and not just because I would become a future environmentalist. It is narrated from the viewpoint of how a 12 year old would experience the world- while at the same time capturing the gray areas that are easier for adults to perceive. Very inspirational. Eco-anxiety is real: especially when you are an idealistic tween and young teen.
October 29, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this middle-grade book about a young girl who is extremely anxious about climate change - to the point that she is always biting her nails to the quick. I liked how the author focused on the ways young kids are deeply concerned about the environment and that it's called 'eco-anxiety'. It was great seeing how the main character, Haven works to get her community, family, and fellow classmates involved in discovering what's going on in their local river after they notice rising levels of acidity in the water. Perfect for fans of Greta Thunberg and great on audio narrated by Mehr Dudeja. Highly recommend this one!
March 17, 2022
This timely, compelling middle grade novel will speak to the many kids who worry about the future of our planet. It's also just a great story about friends and family. Another standout from Barbara Dee!
August 19, 2022
Another excellent novel by Barbara Dee; this one tackles the climate crisis and eco-anxiety.
October 7, 2022
AMAZING!!! Will never find a Barbara Dee book I don’t love. Climate anxiety is a real problem for me and many of my students. I love how Dee depicts it here…and the way that taking ACTION can help!
October 22, 2022
Ecoanxiety was a new term to me. Twelve year old Haven's ecoanxiety manifests in loss of sleep, in attention to homework, chewing her fingernails, among other things. Growing up is already stressful but adding on the literal weight of the world's climate crisis is daunting to Haven and her friends after seeing an evident decline in their local river. This middle grade read was educational and motivating to even this adult reader.
September 27, 2022
Seventh grader Haven Jacobs is a worrier. And right now she's worried about planet earth and what's happening to it because of climate change. She's kept her thoughts to herself, right up until her science teacher Mr. Hendricks showed a film about how climate change was causing the Antarctic glaciers to being melting. After all, what would happen to the penguins if they lost their icy home? This all leads to a full on panic attack, and Haven can no longer hide her fears from her family and friends and frequently finds herself falling down the internet rabbit hole researching articles and videos about what climate change is doing to the world.
All these worries come to head when Mr. Hendricks announces their class project to study the local Belmont River. This is a project he does every year with his class. In fact, two years before Haven's brother Carter was in his class, and he tells her about all the frogs that were there. But when Haven and her class arrive at the river, not only are there no frogs, but there are not even pollution sensitive macros to be found, only macros that can tolerate pollution.
At the same time, there is a new boy in Haven's class named Kenji, whose father is in charge of the new glass factory, Gemba, where Haven's father finally got a job after being jobless for two years. Her best friend Riley has a crush on Kenji and is also hanging out with another girl more that with Haven. And why isn't her oldest friend Archer speaking to her in person, only texting about the video game he's playing. Haven's life is beginning to get really complicated, and skipping social studies and not doing her homework doesn't help.
The results of the Belmont River project shows that this year it is indeed polluted, and Haven feels like she needs to do something to make a difference in the world, even if it is only cleaning up the river and finding out who is polluting it. With the help of Mr. Hendricks, Ms. Packer, her social studies teacher, her friends and family, a big river clean-up is organized. There's food, fun, and games, and people do volunteer to do river cleanup, and it feels like it is a success. But in the end, Haven realizes they have only contributed to pollution, and not made much of a difference at all. Is there anything Haven can do to have a impact on climate change?
One of the things about a Barbara Dee novel is that as soon as you begin reading, you are quickly pulled into the story and it's easy to continue to the end in one sitting and Haven's story is no different. Haven is an interesting protagonist, and you can really feel her anxiety and her need to do something. I imagine there are lots of kids today who have some degree of eco-anxiety and who will relate to Haven's feelings and her attempts to make a difference on a small scale. Haven's parents are concerned about her and after finding about what's going on in social studies, suggest she see a therapist, who does help her focus more.
One of the other things I liked about this book is that the adults are presented in a positive, supportive and involved way, with the exception of Kenji's father. It was also nice to see Haven's relationship with her brother change amd mature over the course of the book. And for the most part Haven's friends are also supportive, although she has a hard time liking one of them, Em, until she learns her story. Even so, Em gives Haven an interesting way to help her control nail biting.
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is an inspiring novel that should appeal to middle graders concerned about climate change and show hem that not everyone needs to be a Greta Thunberg to make a difference.
All these worries come to head when Mr. Hendricks announces their class project to study the local Belmont River. This is a project he does every year with his class. In fact, two years before Haven's brother Carter was in his class, and he tells her about all the frogs that were there. But when Haven and her class arrive at the river, not only are there no frogs, but there are not even pollution sensitive macros to be found, only macros that can tolerate pollution.
At the same time, there is a new boy in Haven's class named Kenji, whose father is in charge of the new glass factory, Gemba, where Haven's father finally got a job after being jobless for two years. Her best friend Riley has a crush on Kenji and is also hanging out with another girl more that with Haven. And why isn't her oldest friend Archer speaking to her in person, only texting about the video game he's playing. Haven's life is beginning to get really complicated, and skipping social studies and not doing her homework doesn't help.
The results of the Belmont River project shows that this year it is indeed polluted, and Haven feels like she needs to do something to make a difference in the world, even if it is only cleaning up the river and finding out who is polluting it. With the help of Mr. Hendricks, Ms. Packer, her social studies teacher, her friends and family, a big river clean-up is organized. There's food, fun, and games, and people do volunteer to do river cleanup, and it feels like it is a success. But in the end, Haven realizes they have only contributed to pollution, and not made much of a difference at all. Is there anything Haven can do to have a impact on climate change?
One of the things about a Barbara Dee novel is that as soon as you begin reading, you are quickly pulled into the story and it's easy to continue to the end in one sitting and Haven's story is no different. Haven is an interesting protagonist, and you can really feel her anxiety and her need to do something. I imagine there are lots of kids today who have some degree of eco-anxiety and who will relate to Haven's feelings and her attempts to make a difference on a small scale. Haven's parents are concerned about her and after finding about what's going on in social studies, suggest she see a therapist, who does help her focus more.
One of the other things I liked about this book is that the adults are presented in a positive, supportive and involved way, with the exception of Kenji's father. It was also nice to see Haven's relationship with her brother change amd mature over the course of the book. And for the most part Haven's friends are also supportive, although she has a hard time liking one of them, Em, until she learns her story. Even so, Em gives Haven an interesting way to help her control nail biting.
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is an inspiring novel that should appeal to middle graders concerned about climate change and show hem that not everyone needs to be a Greta Thunberg to make a difference.
July 14, 2022
“Although maybe we all had stuff in common with penguins. Maybe we were all standing on shrinking ice. Knowing it was shrinking and not knowing what to do about it. If there was even anything we could do at all.” (15)
Eco-anxiety is defined as “extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change.” A new survey of 10,000 young people in 10 countries finds climate change causing widespread, deeply felt anxiety. (Medical News Today) More than 45% of young people in [the] survey said their feelings about climate change "negatively affected their daily life and functioning." (World Economic Forum)
Seventh grader Haven Jacobs suffers from “eco-anxiety.” She bites her nails, can’t sleep, and has stomach upsets. She also starts “doomscrolling,” endlessly watching videos about environmental disasters. Her grades in social studies, the class with her favorite teacher, suffer as she begins to find studying history pointless.
Haven is also having trouble with her friends, mostly her old friend Archer, her best friend Riley, and Riley’s new friend Em. “I hadn’t told Archer how I felt about him avoiding me at school. I hadn’t told Em how I felt about the sleepover business. I hadn’t even told Riley how I felt about her telling me she’d left Em’s sleepover when actually she hadn’t. It was strange: I squabbled with Carter all the time, but sometimes when it came to my friends, I was kind of a wimp, wasn’t I? “ (97) Things start building as her eco-anxiety and friendship complications increase. “Right then I had this feeling: I don’t understand anything. Not just what was happening with the river, but with people, too. I never used to feel this way, but now, all of a sudden, everything felt like a giant mystery, with no identification chart.” (108)
When her science class gembarks on the annual study of the town’s local river, Haven and her classmates discover that the river has changed a lot since her older brother’s class conducted the same study. There were no longer any frogs and the pollution-sensitive macroorganisms appear to have died. Their hypothesis is that someone is polluting the river, and the only new industry in Belmont is Gemba, her father’s employer.
“One of the things [Ms. Packer] taught me this year is that if you can’t do great things, you should do small things greatly.” (267) Haven organizes a river cleanup, but even though the whole town shows up, not many are come to her information booth to hear about the state of their river, and even though everyone participated in the river cleanup, they left as much trash on shore as they took from the river. Sensing the failure, Haven organizes a Memorial Day protest which turns into a sleepover (which actually does end up solving her friendship problems).
With the support of her older brother Carter, her parents, and her new friend Kenji, son of the glass plant manager, Haven overcomes her fear of public speaking and addresses the town council—with some results. “Sometimes change was scary, like what was happening to the planet. But when it came to people—including older brothers—sometimes change could be kind of amazing.” (257)
Eco-anxiety is defined as “extreme worry about current and future harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change.” A new survey of 10,000 young people in 10 countries finds climate change causing widespread, deeply felt anxiety. (Medical News Today) More than 45% of young people in [the] survey said their feelings about climate change "negatively affected their daily life and functioning." (World Economic Forum)
Seventh grader Haven Jacobs suffers from “eco-anxiety.” She bites her nails, can’t sleep, and has stomach upsets. She also starts “doomscrolling,” endlessly watching videos about environmental disasters. Her grades in social studies, the class with her favorite teacher, suffer as she begins to find studying history pointless.
Haven is also having trouble with her friends, mostly her old friend Archer, her best friend Riley, and Riley’s new friend Em. “I hadn’t told Archer how I felt about him avoiding me at school. I hadn’t told Em how I felt about the sleepover business. I hadn’t even told Riley how I felt about her telling me she’d left Em’s sleepover when actually she hadn’t. It was strange: I squabbled with Carter all the time, but sometimes when it came to my friends, I was kind of a wimp, wasn’t I? “ (97) Things start building as her eco-anxiety and friendship complications increase. “Right then I had this feeling: I don’t understand anything. Not just what was happening with the river, but with people, too. I never used to feel this way, but now, all of a sudden, everything felt like a giant mystery, with no identification chart.” (108)
When her science class gembarks on the annual study of the town’s local river, Haven and her classmates discover that the river has changed a lot since her older brother’s class conducted the same study. There were no longer any frogs and the pollution-sensitive macroorganisms appear to have died. Their hypothesis is that someone is polluting the river, and the only new industry in Belmont is Gemba, her father’s employer.
“One of the things [Ms. Packer] taught me this year is that if you can’t do great things, you should do small things greatly.” (267) Haven organizes a river cleanup, but even though the whole town shows up, not many are come to her information booth to hear about the state of their river, and even though everyone participated in the river cleanup, they left as much trash on shore as they took from the river. Sensing the failure, Haven organizes a Memorial Day protest which turns into a sleepover (which actually does end up solving her friendship problems).
With the support of her older brother Carter, her parents, and her new friend Kenji, son of the glass plant manager, Haven overcomes her fear of public speaking and addresses the town council—with some results. “Sometimes change was scary, like what was happening to the planet. But when it came to people—including older brothers—sometimes change could be kind of amazing.” (257)
July 13, 2022
After watching videos on climate change in school, twelve year old Haven Jacobs's eco-anxiety about the future of Earth grows. Why doesn't anyone else seem to care as much as she does? One girl can't save the whole world, but she can help reverse the ecological damage to her town's polluted river. Barbara Dee is a master of middle-grade contemporary, and Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is both an inspiring powerhouse for environmental activism as well as a reminder that if given love and care, the future of the Earth can be a whole lot brighter.
July 10, 2022
Haven Jacobs feels overwhelmed by what's happening with the planet. As a 7th grade teacher, I know this is an issue that my own students struggle with as well. Barbara Dee has created a book contemporary readers will love as it brings to light the effects our actions take on the planet but perhaps more importantly, it shows kids tackling the problem and provides hope in the process. Like all of Barbara's other books, this one is a page turner and presents main characters who feel real.
January 21, 2023
🌎🌼🐸Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet🐸🌼🌎
Haven Jacobs can't stop stressing about climate change, worries about the penguins, animals, forests, and homes that will be destroyed. Yet her parents think she's too obsessed and her brother is constantly making fun of her. Her best friend Riley sometimes seems embarrassed by her and hangs out with a girl named Ember constantly. Her other friend, Archer, has drifted away from her and chooses not to talk to her at all during school. When a new boy named Kenji goes to school, her best friend Riley is constantly talking about his good looks and charming personality. A rivalry instantly starts in between them, one that leads to secrets being uncovered. When they are paired up for a project on examining the Belmont River, they find that the river is more acidic than normal and certain creatures have completely disappeared from the area. Haven suspects that Gemba, a new company, might be responsible for the river's condition and Haven is desperate to reveal the truth.
Barbara Dee has another fantastic middle grade book about eco-anxiety and the stress that climate change can cause. Barbara Dee is a versatile author who is able to write novels that are completely different from one another yet all manage to be enjoyable and important. In school, we learned a lot about the greenhouse effect, climate change, greenhouse gases, as well as many more topics. I watched a lot of documentaries about nature narrated by David Attenborough that really opened my eyes to the climate crisis.
Haven is dealing with a stress that many are struggling with. Imagine living in a world that is slowly dying, and as humans progress in building new technology, it can also negatively impact the planet. The stress of whether our technology and plans are enough to save the planet is a burden that is a constant weight. Barbara Dee deals with Haven's stress in a sensitive and informational way. Haven is extremely set on making a change and has many failed attempts at doing so. It deals with her eco-anxiety as well as typical middle school situations like new friends, crushes and rivalries, and conflict.
I appreciated how Haven's relationship with Archer was explored. As they grow older, their relationship will change from what it was before. They have many miscommunications and problems in their friendship that is honest and truthful. Archer and Haven have a boy-girl friendship that never turns romantic, something that is rare to see in novels. Then there was Haven's relationship with Riley, which was complicated, as well as her dislike towards Ember. Ember and her both treated each other in inconsiderate and cold ways that ended up leading to an enemy dynamic that they themselves created. They work through this situation throughout the book.
Kenji was an interesting character who cared about things similar to Haven. This, however, leads to a rivalry between them. There are hints of both of them respecting and admiring each other, but I enjoyed how the story didn't focus on a romantic subplot. The messaging in this book is executed in the best way possible. Haven hits several road bumps on her journey. In the end, she learns that she can contribute one step at a time. She doesn't have to change the perspective of everyone, but she can work on small steps to make a big impact!
Definitely going to pick up more books by Barbara Dee!
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
Haven Jacobs can't stop stressing about climate change, worries about the penguins, animals, forests, and homes that will be destroyed. Yet her parents think she's too obsessed and her brother is constantly making fun of her. Her best friend Riley sometimes seems embarrassed by her and hangs out with a girl named Ember constantly. Her other friend, Archer, has drifted away from her and chooses not to talk to her at all during school. When a new boy named Kenji goes to school, her best friend Riley is constantly talking about his good looks and charming personality. A rivalry instantly starts in between them, one that leads to secrets being uncovered. When they are paired up for a project on examining the Belmont River, they find that the river is more acidic than normal and certain creatures have completely disappeared from the area. Haven suspects that Gemba, a new company, might be responsible for the river's condition and Haven is desperate to reveal the truth.
Barbara Dee has another fantastic middle grade book about eco-anxiety and the stress that climate change can cause. Barbara Dee is a versatile author who is able to write novels that are completely different from one another yet all manage to be enjoyable and important. In school, we learned a lot about the greenhouse effect, climate change, greenhouse gases, as well as many more topics. I watched a lot of documentaries about nature narrated by David Attenborough that really opened my eyes to the climate crisis.
Haven is dealing with a stress that many are struggling with. Imagine living in a world that is slowly dying, and as humans progress in building new technology, it can also negatively impact the planet. The stress of whether our technology and plans are enough to save the planet is a burden that is a constant weight. Barbara Dee deals with Haven's stress in a sensitive and informational way. Haven is extremely set on making a change and has many failed attempts at doing so. It deals with her eco-anxiety as well as typical middle school situations like new friends, crushes and rivalries, and conflict.
I appreciated how Haven's relationship with Archer was explored. As they grow older, their relationship will change from what it was before. They have many miscommunications and problems in their friendship that is honest and truthful. Archer and Haven have a boy-girl friendship that never turns romantic, something that is rare to see in novels. Then there was Haven's relationship with Riley, which was complicated, as well as her dislike towards Ember. Ember and her both treated each other in inconsiderate and cold ways that ended up leading to an enemy dynamic that they themselves created. They work through this situation throughout the book.
Kenji was an interesting character who cared about things similar to Haven. This, however, leads to a rivalry between them. There are hints of both of them respecting and admiring each other, but I enjoyed how the story didn't focus on a romantic subplot. The messaging in this book is executed in the best way possible. Haven hits several road bumps on her journey. In the end, she learns that she can contribute one step at a time. She doesn't have to change the perspective of everyone, but she can work on small steps to make a big impact!
Definitely going to pick up more books by Barbara Dee!
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
Read
October 30, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Anxiety & panic attacks (protagonist)
Bullying
Anxiety & panic attacks (protagonist)
Bullying
December 16, 2022
Dee has done a good job with a tough topic, laying out realistic options for what kids can actually do, and describing the stress that climate change is causing them. Haven's attempts at activism are somewhat ineffective (at least in her mind), but she learns a lot about herself and her family and friends, and, critically, how to deal with stress more constructively (therapy, talk to parents, find smaller actions to take).
However, she does help raise awareness of the issues about their local river, and puts a human, young face to the matter, which seems to have struck a nerve with the powers that be. And she got her friends and other youth talking.
She is inspired by a fictional Inuit climate activist,"Kirima Ansong" (Greta Thunberg-ish), who protested, spoke to the UN, and sailed to a climate conference. But that sets a high standard.
Excellent discussion guide: https://www.simonandschuster.com/book...
However, she does help raise awareness of the issues about their local river, and puts a human, young face to the matter, which seems to have struck a nerve with the powers that be. And she got her friends and other youth talking.
She is inspired by a fictional Inuit climate activist,"Kirima Ansong" (Greta Thunberg-ish), who protested, spoke to the UN, and sailed to a climate conference. But that sets a high standard.
Excellent discussion guide: https://www.simonandschuster.com/book...
October 4, 2022
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is now out, and I highly recommend it for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. I don't know about you, but I'm already making my Christmas shopping lists, and this would be on my list if the kids in our family were old enough to read it. (This year, we've only got second-graders or younger to shop for, but that's a post for another day.) Barbara Dee is an extraordinary author who crafts narratives that are timely to the utmost and genuine in voice. Dee portrays Haven Jacobs, a middle school student experiencing anxiety, authentically and compassionately. Mental health has already been a theme in Dee's past work, and Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet brings it to the forefront as it relates to our climate crisis.
Haven works to combat pollution in her local river, but there is no easy answer - the newly-opened factory that is revitalizing her town and employing her own father may be causing the pollution. In addition to cliques, crushes, and school work, Haven grapples with her conscience over voicing her suspicions. While readers will find no easy answer in Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, they will find a kindred spirit, a recognition of the daunting climate crisis, and an example of channeling one's efforts toward measurable change. When Haven finds the support she needs from her parents, friends, and teachers, what seemed insurmountable becomes workable. It is Haven's journey from self-enclosed storm of anxiety to collaborative activist in therapy that shows readers the value in voicing one's struggles and welcoming aid.
You should know that I started reading this in the evening, thinking to put it down part way through and go to bed. I did not. I read it all in one sitting. In short, the plot and characters were so compelling that at no point could I turn away.
Haven works to combat pollution in her local river, but there is no easy answer - the newly-opened factory that is revitalizing her town and employing her own father may be causing the pollution. In addition to cliques, crushes, and school work, Haven grapples with her conscience over voicing her suspicions. While readers will find no easy answer in Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, they will find a kindred spirit, a recognition of the daunting climate crisis, and an example of channeling one's efforts toward measurable change. When Haven finds the support she needs from her parents, friends, and teachers, what seemed insurmountable becomes workable. It is Haven's journey from self-enclosed storm of anxiety to collaborative activist in therapy that shows readers the value in voicing one's struggles and welcoming aid.
You should know that I started reading this in the evening, thinking to put it down part way through and go to bed. I did not. I read it all in one sitting. In short, the plot and characters were so compelling that at no point could I turn away.
November 24, 2022
This is one of the books I am sad to finish. I loved the protagonist’s commitment to making a difference in the race to save the earth’s environment against climate change. The kid’s relationships with each other and their parents rang true. I related to the reality of the enormity of the pressure when dealing with climate change with regards to both the anxiety of the future and insecurities of not doing enough to make a difference. I appreciated the honest conversations the characters had with each other when discussing friendships, schoolwork, and family life.
October 2, 2022
Why do I love Barbara's books? Because of her voice, well, two kinds of voices really. The first voice is her middle grade voice. I teach this age group and I feel like they are writing this book. Barbara makes her characters come alive and they are believable. The other voice is her voice for change. All of her books touch on important topics both for middle schoolers and for the world.
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is a book about climate change, anxiety, family, and friendship. Haven experiences serious anxiety when thinking about all that is wrong with the world, especially when she discovers some important changes in the ecosystem in her own town. How does one "fix" climate change when it is all out of your control? This is the question Haven faces and watching her journey to figure out the answer makes this a great story. I hope you read it!
Welcome to the world Haven!
October 31, 2022
Haven is concerned about global warming - so concerned that she thinks about it all the time, bites her nails, and wakes up in the middle of the night to "doom scroll" on her phone. First she is worried about the penguins, but the new boy tells her about the coral reefs dying and that is her new concern. Her friends don't understand why she is so upset, and her best friend is hanging out with Haven's enemy. There is a little bit of a mystery in the book.
I loved the message of Haven Jacob's Saves the Planet. If you can't do great things, you can still do small things in a great way. I enjoyed watching the changing relationship of Haven and her brother. The book also bring environmental awareness to middle school readers and teaches the importance of speaking up and making a difference.
On MackinVIA and in our library F DEE.
I loved the message of Haven Jacob's Saves the Planet. If you can't do great things, you can still do small things in a great way. I enjoyed watching the changing relationship of Haven and her brother. The book also bring environmental awareness to middle school readers and teaches the importance of speaking up and making a difference.
On MackinVIA and in our library F DEE.
August 18, 2022
Who doesn't have anxiety about the environment these days? As an educator, I strive to balance information, reality, and not terrifying kids. Nevertheless, middle School kids are acutely aware of the world around them, of the news, and have had just enough science to know that we all have a problem. Haven already had a lot of anxiety before her class project to study a local river started, and things got even worse after she got there.
Teachers will love this story for its activism, climate change, and mental health themes. Tweens will love it for the honest portrayal of a young person struggling with the reality of life in 2022.
Teachers will love this story for its activism, climate change, and mental health themes. Tweens will love it for the honest portrayal of a young person struggling with the reality of life in 2022.
July 19, 2022
Barbara Dee is a master of MG. I've never met a Barbara Dee book I didn't love. Readers will connect with 7th grader Haven and her 'eco-anxiety', determination, and of course complicated friendships. Haven learns about climate change and wants to protect the world. Environmental activism is part of our studies and students will relate. Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet is timely and inspiring. Readers will inhale this one.
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