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The Secret of Haven Point
I was Haven Point's first Wreckling, but I certainly wasn't the last. There are forty-two of us now, not including the mermaids. When you're a Wreckling, you mainly spend your days squabbling, eating and planning adventures. Oh, and Wrecklings also carry out wreckings, which is how we got our name . . .
Washed up as a baby beside a remote lighthouse and raised by a mermaid, Alpha Lux was the first foundling at Haven Point. Now the lighthouse is a ramshackle home for any disabled person who needs somewhere to belong. Looting from passing ships to make a living, they call themselves the Wrecklings, and for the children of Haven Point life is spent adventuring on the wild shore (and getting into trouble with the grown-ups).
But when Alpha spots a strange light up on the headland, she realizes that her beloved family are in danger of being discovered by Outsiders.
With their home under threat, the Wrecklings must decide what kind of future they want . . . and what they're willing to do to get it.
Washed up as a baby beside a remote lighthouse and raised by a mermaid, Alpha Lux was the first foundling at Haven Point. Now the lighthouse is a ramshackle home for any disabled person who needs somewhere to belong. Looting from passing ships to make a living, they call themselves the Wrecklings, and for the children of Haven Point life is spent adventuring on the wild shore (and getting into trouble with the grown-ups).
But when Alpha spots a strange light up on the headland, she realizes that her beloved family are in danger of being discovered by Outsiders.
With their home under threat, the Wrecklings must decide what kind of future they want . . . and what they're willing to do to get it.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2022
18 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 2, 2023
5/5 stars
“I still haven’t told my gang about all of the stuff he said about us in the diary. That’s the sort of stuff that breaks people here. Not our bodies or brains, but the way outsiders think about them.”
This book had everything I could've wanted in a middle-grade novel, in my disability-fiction and more. A lovable full cast of disabled but very capable heroes, a sea-side adventure with a sprinkle of mermaid-magic, and beautiful underlying message about friendship, found-family, love and acceptance.
The Story:
When Alpha Lux first arrived at Haven Point, washed up ashore as a foundling baby, it was nothing more than an abandoned lighthouse surrounded by ramshackle empty houses. Raised by a mermaid and a maverick sea captain with a kitten in his beard, Alpha has seen Haven Point grow into what it is now; a refuge for disabled kids like herself in need of place to belong. When Alpha spots a strange light on the headland one day, she discovers their safely isolated community might be in danger of being discovered by Outsiders. With their home under threat, she and her fellow Wrecklings must decide what kind of future they want . . . and what they're willing to do to get it.
My reading-experience:
The book took me on an emotional journey. From putting a smile on my face at the friendship-interactions (specifically between Alpha and Badger), to tears in my eyes at some of the events near the end. From excitement over the characters adventures, to that wonderful feeling of home and safety that radiates from Haven Point. From anger at the (relatable) lack of understanding of their disabilities from the Outside, to pride at the wonderful way they learn to accept themselves and each other, and the decisions they make from there.
This is the kind of book I wish I would’ve had growing up as a child with a disability. It’s also luckily timeless enough that I can still enjoy and benefit from it as an adult.
Why this book matters:
I hope this goes without saying by now, but I’ll repeat it once again for the people in the back: representation matters. Lisette Auton understands that, and gets so much right about disability rep. Disabled characters are still far too rare on page, especially in children’s fiction. If they feature at all, they’re usually side-characters, ór the book is centred completely around an “overcoming disability”-storyline. The Secrets of Haven Point refuses that narrative. It tells a story with a plot that stands on its own, with character-development that has nothing to do with their physical abilities. It’s a story about friendship and trust, prejudice and acceptance, joy and grief, and characters learning to living full lives together, unlimited by their physical differences.
“Have you learnt nothing from this place? They’re not reasons to leave, they’re reasons to love harder. They’re reasons to stay”.
The Secret of Haven Point will join my list of go-to-disability recommendations, but I honestly highly. It's a book that clearly came from the heart of a passionate author who loves what she writes, and I can't wait to see what she does next. Her sophomore novel The Stickleback Catchers has been added to my TBR as we speak.
“I still haven’t told my gang about all of the stuff he said about us in the diary. That’s the sort of stuff that breaks people here. Not our bodies or brains, but the way outsiders think about them.”
This book had everything I could've wanted in a middle-grade novel, in my disability-fiction and more. A lovable full cast of disabled but very capable heroes, a sea-side adventure with a sprinkle of mermaid-magic, and beautiful underlying message about friendship, found-family, love and acceptance.
The Story:
When Alpha Lux first arrived at Haven Point, washed up ashore as a foundling baby, it was nothing more than an abandoned lighthouse surrounded by ramshackle empty houses. Raised by a mermaid and a maverick sea captain with a kitten in his beard, Alpha has seen Haven Point grow into what it is now; a refuge for disabled kids like herself in need of place to belong. When Alpha spots a strange light on the headland one day, she discovers their safely isolated community might be in danger of being discovered by Outsiders. With their home under threat, she and her fellow Wrecklings must decide what kind of future they want . . . and what they're willing to do to get it.
My reading-experience:
The book took me on an emotional journey. From putting a smile on my face at the friendship-interactions (specifically between Alpha and Badger), to tears in my eyes at some of the events near the end. From excitement over the characters adventures, to that wonderful feeling of home and safety that radiates from Haven Point. From anger at the (relatable) lack of understanding of their disabilities from the Outside, to pride at the wonderful way they learn to accept themselves and each other, and the decisions they make from there.
This is the kind of book I wish I would’ve had growing up as a child with a disability. It’s also luckily timeless enough that I can still enjoy and benefit from it as an adult.
Why this book matters:
I hope this goes without saying by now, but I’ll repeat it once again for the people in the back: representation matters. Lisette Auton understands that, and gets so much right about disability rep. Disabled characters are still far too rare on page, especially in children’s fiction. If they feature at all, they’re usually side-characters, ór the book is centred completely around an “overcoming disability”-storyline. The Secrets of Haven Point refuses that narrative. It tells a story with a plot that stands on its own, with character-development that has nothing to do with their physical abilities. It’s a story about friendship and trust, prejudice and acceptance, joy and grief, and characters learning to living full lives together, unlimited by their physical differences.
“Have you learnt nothing from this place? They’re not reasons to leave, they’re reasons to love harder. They’re reasons to stay”.
The Secret of Haven Point will join my list of go-to-disability recommendations, but I honestly highly. It's a book that clearly came from the heart of a passionate author who loves what she writes, and I can't wait to see what she does next. Her sophomore novel The Stickleback Catchers has been added to my TBR as we speak.
February 5, 2022
Disabled heroes, found families, and honest and frank discussions about acceptance and inclusion woven into an utterly magical story. What's not to love?!
Finding lived experiences of disability in fiction that are genuinely representative is rare, so to see a middle-grade book that tackles some pretty huge points of discussion in such a gorgeous and exciting way means so much. It really does. There’s a character in there who reflects my personal illness experience more accurately in about two sentences than the mainstream media has for the last two decades, and I think that says it all really.
Whether you're disabled or non-disabled, a regular reader of middle-grade or a newbie, this one is an absolute must-read!
Finding lived experiences of disability in fiction that are genuinely representative is rare, so to see a middle-grade book that tackles some pretty huge points of discussion in such a gorgeous and exciting way means so much. It really does. There’s a character in there who reflects my personal illness experience more accurately in about two sentences than the mainstream media has for the last two decades, and I think that says it all really.
Whether you're disabled or non-disabled, a regular reader of middle-grade or a newbie, this one is an absolute must-read!
January 29, 2022
This was the book I started my year with, and I’ll honestly be very surprised if anything else takes its place in my top spot. I don’t want to make this review all about me, because I want to tell you why I loved this so much and discuss all my favourite parts, but I feel like I do have to preface everything else by acknowledging that I am disabled and have been since I was 7 years old, so seeing a book with an all disabled cast that is both about disability and a joyous fantasy in it’s own right means more to me than you can possibly imagine. I am so grateful we are finally starting to see more disabled writers being published and getting their time to shine, because the lack of positive disability rep in middle grade books especially is a constant source of upset for me. So this is just a game changer and I want everyone to read it and support it so there continues to be books like this, because I cannot tell you how much this would have meant to me when I was younger. The characters are all so varied and fun, and they all just felt like such real people to me. I especially loved our narrator Alpha, of course, but some others I loved included Cap’n (the kittens in his beard!!) and Alpha’s friend group, who she has such different but wonderful relationships with, and which expands throughout the story in a really sweet way. The discussions it has about disability and ableism made me cry cathartic tears to the point my proof has tear stained pages, because they are just so vital and necessary. I also want to mention that the fantasy aspect with the mermaids and the magic around Haven Point is wonderful, and I have such a desire to learn about it. On that note, the ending of this made me feel like the story isn’t quite finished, so I’m hoping a sequel will be announced imminently, not just because I want to see what happens next but also because I’d love to see Alpha and Badger and co again for many, many more books.
February 15, 2022
This is such a wonderful, unique and quirky read. I’ve definitely never read anything like it before. It’s jammed full of disability rep, which you typically only seem to find in contemporary novels, so it’s great to see books like this start to make their way into the world. Let’s hope for lots more, so that all young people have their chance to see themselves reflected in all sorts of incredible situations and settings.
There are so many great characters, which always makes it hard to single out just one as a favourite. One of my favourite ‘tropes’ is found family, and that certainly covers the Wrecklings, who work perfectly together and just feel like a family that was meant to be. I loved how they interacted with each other, and what truly makes them feel like real characters it the way you can hear their accents in the way that the dialect is written!
Alpha as the main protagonist was everything you want in a lead character. I loved my time with her and her friends, and the ending is set up nicely to allow for a sequel (fingers crossed). If I haven’t already sold the book to you, what you probably need to know, what you really, really need to know, is that there is a character who walks around with a tiny cat living in his beard!!
I adored the lovely illustrations that go alongside the words, and they really helped me to visualise the characters and the story. Particularly the cross section of Old Ben, right at the very start. If you’re looking for something really quite different for your young reader (or indeed yourself), I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s also one that can open up discussion points and get them thinking about how everyone is unique in their own special ways, and that is always a good thing. The Secret of Haven Point has happily nestled itself on my special ocean themed shelf, exactly where it belongs!
There are so many great characters, which always makes it hard to single out just one as a favourite. One of my favourite ‘tropes’ is found family, and that certainly covers the Wrecklings, who work perfectly together and just feel like a family that was meant to be. I loved how they interacted with each other, and what truly makes them feel like real characters it the way you can hear their accents in the way that the dialect is written!
Alpha as the main protagonist was everything you want in a lead character. I loved my time with her and her friends, and the ending is set up nicely to allow for a sequel (fingers crossed). If I haven’t already sold the book to you, what you probably need to know, what you really, really need to know, is that there is a character who walks around with a tiny cat living in his beard!!
I adored the lovely illustrations that go alongside the words, and they really helped me to visualise the characters and the story. Particularly the cross section of Old Ben, right at the very start. If you’re looking for something really quite different for your young reader (or indeed yourself), I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s also one that can open up discussion points and get them thinking about how everyone is unique in their own special ways, and that is always a good thing. The Secret of Haven Point has happily nestled itself on my special ocean themed shelf, exactly where it belongs!
July 10, 2024
3,5/5⭐️
September 15, 2022
I'm so glad this book exists!!!!! We follow a wonderful found family of disabled characters who live in a lighthouse and there's magic and mermaids, what else do you need??? I'm so glad that this book is out there to read for disabled kids but also non disabled kids to read about these characters and have this representation, it's so important! The author (who's disabled herself) starts the book of with an amazing author's note about language and representation surrounding disability 👏🏻
I'm disabled/chronically ill myself and I adore books that have lighthouses and mermaids in them so when I first heard about this book by Jen Campbell (who always recommends amazing disability books) I immediately bought it and I'm so glad I did because I loved it so much.
Amazing representation aside, the writing is beautiful and the setting is so vivid. I could picture everything so clearly and the beautiful illustrations throughout the book helped as well. It also explores lots of important themes and discussions like ableism, inclusion and acceptance in an honest and fun way. But there's also just a really fun mystery in this book! With an ending that I hope can lead to a sequel. Because I love all these characters so much and I miss them already. I mean there's Cap'n who took the main character and the other Wrecklings as they're called in under his roof and he always has a kitten in his beard, do I need to say more?
I'm disabled/chronically ill myself and I adore books that have lighthouses and mermaids in them so when I first heard about this book by Jen Campbell (who always recommends amazing disability books) I immediately bought it and I'm so glad I did because I loved it so much.
Amazing representation aside, the writing is beautiful and the setting is so vivid. I could picture everything so clearly and the beautiful illustrations throughout the book helped as well. It also explores lots of important themes and discussions like ableism, inclusion and acceptance in an honest and fun way. But there's also just a really fun mystery in this book! With an ending that I hope can lead to a sequel. Because I love all these characters so much and I miss them already. I mean there's Cap'n who took the main character and the other Wrecklings as they're called in under his roof and he always has a kitten in his beard, do I need to say more?
January 30, 2022
This was such a great book. I loved the storyline, full of emotion, twists and unexpected happenings.
the characters were very diverse, most of them having some kind of disability. however, in Haven Point, they are never looked down upon. Everyone has something they can do, and everything is adapted to allow everyone to take part in as much as possible.
There was so much love and emotion in this book, it practically poured out the pages. The story is told from the point of view of Alpha, who acts tough, but since we are hearing the story from her, we know how she really feels about everything that happens around her.
To me, the characters seemed very realistic. Nothing seemed forced to fit into the story, it was all just natural.
overall, this was an exciting story with great characters and it was exciting the whole way through, even up to the very last pages. So i really recommend this, it was a brilliant debut, and i'll certainly be keeping an eye out for more books from this author!
the characters were very diverse, most of them having some kind of disability. however, in Haven Point, they are never looked down upon. Everyone has something they can do, and everything is adapted to allow everyone to take part in as much as possible.
There was so much love and emotion in this book, it practically poured out the pages. The story is told from the point of view of Alpha, who acts tough, but since we are hearing the story from her, we know how she really feels about everything that happens around her.
To me, the characters seemed very realistic. Nothing seemed forced to fit into the story, it was all just natural.
overall, this was an exciting story with great characters and it was exciting the whole way through, even up to the very last pages. So i really recommend this, it was a brilliant debut, and i'll certainly be keeping an eye out for more books from this author!
April 3, 2022
I was Haven Point's first Wreckling, but I certainly wasn't the last. There are forty-two of us now, not including the mermaids. When you're a Wreckling, you mainly spend your days squabbling, eating and planning adventures. Oh, and Wrecklings also carry out wreckings, which is how we got our name . . .
Washed up as a baby beside a remote lighthouse and raised by a mermaid, Alpha Lux was the first foundling at Haven Point. Now the lighthouse is a ramshackle home for any disabled person who needs somewhere to belong. Looting from passing ships to make a living, they call themselves the Wrecklings, and for the children of Haven Point life is spent adventuring on the wild shore.
Do not be fooled into thinking that, with the mention of mermaids and captains with kittens in their beards, this is a ‘mere’ fantasy book for children. This is an astonishing read that will captivate children of all ages. Through the pages, Alpha endears herself to her readers, drawing them in to her real-life experiences, emotional struggles and heart stopping adventures.
Haven Point is a safe and secure community for all of those who feel shunned by society: somehow, they have found this safe haven and are welcomed and included. There is nothing that can’t be adapted to ensure that everyone is fully able to contribute to the community: whether it be easily accessible beds, toilets, BSL signage, beach tracks for wheelchairs and a multitude of other adaptations. Here, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome. Everyone is involved…even in the wreckings! Importantly, all of the characters are all shown in the most positive of lights to demonstrate their abilities.
It is of huge credit to Auton’s craft as a writer that she has created a cast of characters who are so real that readers immediately delight in the people that they are rather than viewing them from the perspective of their disability. We get to view the characters as well-rounded and real – with strengths and character flaws like anyone else.
This is an astonishing story; thrilling, creative, exciting, heart rending and beautifully crafted. Every single word has been chosen and placed with the utmost care and attention.
Washed up as a baby beside a remote lighthouse and raised by a mermaid, Alpha Lux was the first foundling at Haven Point. Now the lighthouse is a ramshackle home for any disabled person who needs somewhere to belong. Looting from passing ships to make a living, they call themselves the Wrecklings, and for the children of Haven Point life is spent adventuring on the wild shore.
Do not be fooled into thinking that, with the mention of mermaids and captains with kittens in their beards, this is a ‘mere’ fantasy book for children. This is an astonishing read that will captivate children of all ages. Through the pages, Alpha endears herself to her readers, drawing them in to her real-life experiences, emotional struggles and heart stopping adventures.
Haven Point is a safe and secure community for all of those who feel shunned by society: somehow, they have found this safe haven and are welcomed and included. There is nothing that can’t be adapted to ensure that everyone is fully able to contribute to the community: whether it be easily accessible beds, toilets, BSL signage, beach tracks for wheelchairs and a multitude of other adaptations. Here, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome. Everyone is involved…even in the wreckings! Importantly, all of the characters are all shown in the most positive of lights to demonstrate their abilities.
It is of huge credit to Auton’s craft as a writer that she has created a cast of characters who are so real that readers immediately delight in the people that they are rather than viewing them from the perspective of their disability. We get to view the characters as well-rounded and real – with strengths and character flaws like anyone else.
This is an astonishing story; thrilling, creative, exciting, heart rending and beautifully crafted. Every single word has been chosen and placed with the utmost care and attention.
January 28, 2022
This was such a lovely book to read. It was well written with good characters and a good storyline but the thing that made this book for me was the pictures that accompanied the story. They are beuatifully drawn and will really help children use their imaginations reading this book and picturing what they are reading.
January 30, 2022
‘He didn’t know our names; he could have made up some nice ones. Instead, he chose the easiest thing in the world - to label us by our impairments.’
Alpha Lux was one of the first Wrecklings, the first to find themselves at Haven Point. A place where everyone is welcome and accepted, where children with disabilities and disfigurements find themselves a family. Alpha was raised by a mermaid, Ephrya, and can’t remember her life before Haven Point other than the flames of a fire.
When Alpha and her friend Badger discover an intruder on the island they realise that the Outsiders are coming. The Wrecklings have to band together to protect their home and most importantly, keep the mermaids safe.
I really enjoyed this book! The initial world building was a bit slow paced but when it picked up I flew through it. I loved the characters and the disability representation we got in this story. I particularly loved Badger and how essential she was to their operations. The illustrations in the book really brought the world and the characters to life, they were a lovely addition.
I feel the need to mention that the ending feels like it’s for an older demographic than the rest of the book. As an adult reader I wasn’t bothered by the content but I think for the younger readers there needs to be a warning that there will be guns, violence and death.
I will be more than happy to continue this series in the future, it was a lovely world to escape to!
✨ Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book! ✨
Alpha Lux was one of the first Wrecklings, the first to find themselves at Haven Point. A place where everyone is welcome and accepted, where children with disabilities and disfigurements find themselves a family. Alpha was raised by a mermaid, Ephrya, and can’t remember her life before Haven Point other than the flames of a fire.
When Alpha and her friend Badger discover an intruder on the island they realise that the Outsiders are coming. The Wrecklings have to band together to protect their home and most importantly, keep the mermaids safe.
I really enjoyed this book! The initial world building was a bit slow paced but when it picked up I flew through it. I loved the characters and the disability representation we got in this story. I particularly loved Badger and how essential she was to their operations. The illustrations in the book really brought the world and the characters to life, they were a lovely addition.
I feel the need to mention that the ending feels like it’s for an older demographic than the rest of the book. As an adult reader I wasn’t bothered by the content but I think for the younger readers there needs to be a warning that there will be guns, violence and death.
I will be more than happy to continue this series in the future, it was a lovely world to escape to!
✨ Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book! ✨
January 24, 2022
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
This book is set at Haven Point, where I
Our main character Alpha was left, abandoned as a baby after a terrible fire. She is the first wreckling, a family who cause ship wrecks in order to receive the supplies needed, working together with mermaids. The lighthouse Alpha lives in is a toast turvy home full of Knick knacks and quirks, but it is also a haven for any disabled person who needs a place to belong. They are safe and can live their life unjudged… until Alpha starts to notice a glint from the cliff. Have outsiders come to destroy their haven?
This is a slow starting book but with a wonderful message about belonging, family and otherness. With an array of original characters, mermaids and cats that sleep in beards. This story gives a voice to those often ignored, insulted or made to feel anything less than human. Although, I found the book slow to begin with, I was intrigued by the storyline, heartened by the message and happy to see people truly represented and have their own voice. This book offers so many discussion points and I hope is the start in a long line of books not just talking about disability representation but allowing disabled people to own their own stories.
This book is set at Haven Point, where I
Our main character Alpha was left, abandoned as a baby after a terrible fire. She is the first wreckling, a family who cause ship wrecks in order to receive the supplies needed, working together with mermaids. The lighthouse Alpha lives in is a toast turvy home full of Knick knacks and quirks, but it is also a haven for any disabled person who needs a place to belong. They are safe and can live their life unjudged… until Alpha starts to notice a glint from the cliff. Have outsiders come to destroy their haven?
This is a slow starting book but with a wonderful message about belonging, family and otherness. With an array of original characters, mermaids and cats that sleep in beards. This story gives a voice to those often ignored, insulted or made to feel anything less than human. Although, I found the book slow to begin with, I was intrigued by the storyline, heartened by the message and happy to see people truly represented and have their own voice. This book offers so many discussion points and I hope is the start in a long line of books not just talking about disability representation but allowing disabled people to own their own stories.
June 20, 2022
Ive just finished reading this to make sure it was suitable for my 10 year daughter. I finished it over a weekend rather quickly as it was that good but also because my daughter couldn't wait to read it too. Her friends had told her about it and was at the top of her list at our local Waterstones.
Thoroughly recommend this. Not just for kids. As an adult and mother I really enjoyed it and I'm delighted there is another book coming out soon. The Stickle Back Catchers. Sounds a bit fishy 🤔
Thoroughly recommend this. Not just for kids. As an adult and mother I really enjoyed it and I'm delighted there is another book coming out soon. The Stickle Back Catchers. Sounds a bit fishy 🤔
January 8, 2023
This book is so good everyone should read it.
I read this on behalf of my 9 to 12 year self whi longed for a book such as this and I am thrilled it exists but we need more.
It's about politics, found family, growing up, grief, adventure, the need to be kind and work together.
Oh did I mention most of the characters in this book have some sort of impairment and see themselves as disabled. Unless you're a Mermaid that is.
In case you are wondering there is no need to worry Mermaids redress their slightly dodgy literary rep here.
I read this on behalf of my 9 to 12 year self whi longed for a book such as this and I am thrilled it exists but we need more.
It's about politics, found family, growing up, grief, adventure, the need to be kind and work together.
Oh did I mention most of the characters in this book have some sort of impairment and see themselves as disabled. Unless you're a Mermaid that is.
In case you are wondering there is no need to worry Mermaids redress their slightly dodgy literary rep here.
June 20, 2022
A wonderful story. Full of charm. Character driven plot with an exciting second half. My girls and I really enjoyed the world that had been created in the first half by which time it was hard to put down as I so wanted to know what happens. Plenty of action and thrills and twists. It's beautiful wtitten and adrresses disability issues with such charm, care and sensiivity. Highly recommended for all the family.
July 27, 2025
Amazing book that is really sweet!
February 20, 2023
20.02.2023
Oh this was such a JOY to read! I had a tear in my eye at that ending. I absolutely LOVED the characters - the found family, their bravery and cheekiness. I love how Lisette incorporated disability and inclusion in such a simple, accessible way. Reading about kids with disabilities talk about and describe their disability and how they all view it slightly differently. Urgh. Amazing and so so important. Every kid needs to read this book (and I know plenty of adults that would benefit from it too!). And that ADVENTURE! So fun!
Oh this was such a JOY to read! I had a tear in my eye at that ending. I absolutely LOVED the characters - the found family, their bravery and cheekiness. I love how Lisette incorporated disability and inclusion in such a simple, accessible way. Reading about kids with disabilities talk about and describe their disability and how they all view it slightly differently. Urgh. Amazing and so so important. Every kid needs to read this book (and I know plenty of adults that would benefit from it too!). And that ADVENTURE! So fun!
June 17, 2022
This is a beautiful book with fantastic characters and I cried several times to see so many disabilities represented with kindness and joy and humour. I've never read anything like it before but I hope I'll get to read lots more books with as much love for the disability community as this one.
May 31, 2022
I really, really enjoyed reading this book. It was so well written. It really drew me into the world that the writer has created. The characters are so well drawn out. I enjoyed the disability angle. It really added to the story but in no way is led by it. My 16 year daughter old really enjoyed it too.
You feel so much for our lead protagonist Alpha. You really feel like you've been put through the emotional "ringer". It's so well written you understand exactly why she responded the way she does towards the end. Thanks to the wonderful fantastic writing it never feels contrived.
It's funny in parts and thrilling in others. Full of heart and kids being kids and all the love, anger and anxieties that come with that. Like the coastal landscape it's set in it's rugged and raw, unforgiving storytelling. The mermaids are fiercely brilliant. They feel so real. The relationship between Ethrya and Alpha is gorgeous. Other side characters really add to the sense of home and found families. Ultimately they care for each other but kids are kids and sometimes it's not all roses. The lighthouse itself is a well described and ful of character
You can tell a lot of thought has gone into creating this book. It's certainly one to keep to re visit.
Looking forward to future books
You feel so much for our lead protagonist Alpha. You really feel like you've been put through the emotional "ringer". It's so well written you understand exactly why she responded the way she does towards the end. Thanks to the wonderful fantastic writing it never feels contrived.
It's funny in parts and thrilling in others. Full of heart and kids being kids and all the love, anger and anxieties that come with that. Like the coastal landscape it's set in it's rugged and raw, unforgiving storytelling. The mermaids are fiercely brilliant. They feel so real. The relationship between Ethrya and Alpha is gorgeous. Other side characters really add to the sense of home and found families. Ultimately they care for each other but kids are kids and sometimes it's not all roses. The lighthouse itself is a well described and ful of character
You can tell a lot of thought has gone into creating this book. It's certainly one to keep to re visit.
Looking forward to future books
February 7, 2022
A salty and spellbinding adventure set on the shores of a magical sanctuary for any disabled person who needs somewhere to belong ... The Secret of Haven Point sings like the sea!
Echoing the likes of Abi Elphinstone, Cerrie Burnell and Thomas Taylor, Lisette Auton's debut dazzles with originality and glitters with imagination. And at the heart of Haven Point is a story of acceptance, belonging and self-discovery, sending an inspiring message of positivity and inclusivity to those who feel they are 'different' and don't fit in.
Echoing the likes of Abi Elphinstone, Cerrie Burnell and Thomas Taylor, Lisette Auton's debut dazzles with originality and glitters with imagination. And at the heart of Haven Point is a story of acceptance, belonging and self-discovery, sending an inspiring message of positivity and inclusivity to those who feel they are 'different' and don't fit in.
February 24, 2022
This is such a beautiful debut brimming with magic, mysticism and meddlesome children! Lisette Autom makes it clear from the beginning that this is an Own Voices book and her note makes it even more special. It sets the tone for the book and is echoed throughout as Alpha, the main character, often refers to the importance of language too.
Whilst Haven Point provides a safe sanctuary for a variety of characters who are all, in some way or another, disabled, Auton does not make life there 'easy' as within themselves they form groups, bicker, fight and feel isolated - which gives them authenticity and the reader empathy towards them.
I loved how Ephyra and the other mermaids were described - they were fierce and everything you'd want a female clan to be! I loved Cap'n and the quirkyness of having a kitten in his beard. I loved the growth of Alpha throughout the book, both as a person and as a friend. I did second-guess the traitor in the midst but only by a chapter or so, and it did not take away from the twists and turns that continued!
Overall I absolutely loved this and am eagerly awaiting the sequel already!
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
Whilst Haven Point provides a safe sanctuary for a variety of characters who are all, in some way or another, disabled, Auton does not make life there 'easy' as within themselves they form groups, bicker, fight and feel isolated - which gives them authenticity and the reader empathy towards them.
I loved how Ephyra and the other mermaids were described - they were fierce and everything you'd want a female clan to be! I loved Cap'n and the quirkyness of having a kitten in his beard. I loved the growth of Alpha throughout the book, both as a person and as a friend. I did second-guess the traitor in the midst but only by a chapter or so, and it did not take away from the twists and turns that continued!
Overall I absolutely loved this and am eagerly awaiting the sequel already!
**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **
April 9, 2023
Gosh! I simply adored this book. It's just thrilling with roller-coaster ride of emotions. I was first struck by the fantastic writing. It's simply beautiful!. The characters seem to leap up from the page. You adore and feel so much for our lead protagonist (Alpha). She's the narrator so we get invited inside her head and see this magical yet rugged world through her young eyes. The result is wonderful. Alpha is funny and fiesty (yet so very vulnerable ) . She's also not perfect, has flaws and makes mistakes.
You can tell the author has taken so much care with writing all her characters that live at Haven point. Their relationships are honest, genuine and touching They mostly have some form of disability and I wasn't surprised to learn that she is disabled herself. There were parts in this book where I laughed out loud, some parts I had happy tears and yet blubbed like a big baby towards the end ( I'm a 41 year old man!!). I could quite happily read through Alpha's eyes all day long. I so hope there will be a sequel 🤞
You can tell the author has taken so much care with writing all her characters that live at Haven point. Their relationships are honest, genuine and touching They mostly have some form of disability and I wasn't surprised to learn that she is disabled herself. There were parts in this book where I laughed out loud, some parts I had happy tears and yet blubbed like a big baby towards the end ( I'm a 41 year old man!!). I could quite happily read through Alpha's eyes all day long. I so hope there will be a sequel 🤞
April 17, 2022
A wonderful, wonderful story. We got this for our daughter. She became so engrossed in it. We both read it whilst she was in bed or at her friend's house. She was so excited talking about it we became intrigued. Who was this Alpha and her friend Badger and her Not- mum mermaid? Full of charm. Adventure. Loved the setting. Great characters. All of us could really connect with the story and the characters. The iliustrations really add to it. Highly recommended for all the family. I couldn't stop thinking about it long after if I read it. The discussions we had about it all together with our daughter was so rewarding. Thank you Puffin and Lisette Auton.
April 17, 2022
What an exciting book Lisette has created. Both my girls and I loved this book. They're 10 and 12 years olds. The world building in the first half is terrific. There is such a sense of foreboding throughout the first half with some lovely moments between the characters. I loved how the all had some sort of disability. There are are genuinely funny moments too. The second half is just thrilling and you really feel for Alpha. As a mother you just want to hug her. Or "knock the silly" out of her. It's beautifuly written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2022
Exhilarating debut novel. I Loved the casting of disabled characters. Unique story telling. Beautifully written. I Surprisingly got swept away with the story. I really didn't expect that. Loved the magical themes. The setting was unique. Beautifully illustrated through out. I can't wait for my daughter to read this too to discuss it with her. It left some questions unanswered so I'm hoping far a sequel. Not that it felt unfinished either.
May 4, 2024
This will go on my favourite books for the year if not forever. It has a perfect mix of disability rep with fantasy which is perfect for people of all ages. I loved the diversity as it was done perfectly not just to stand out in the story but blend in. Alpha is an amazing character who is strong but flawed. I also love how exciting the book is.
February 6, 2024
Lisette Auton’s debut novel The Secret of Haven Point was published with Puffin in 2022, since then she has also published equally as popular The Stickleback Catchers and is due her third release soon in 2024 – she is defiantly worth watching out for! The Secret of Haven Point focuses on the themes of family and the sense of belonging, ableism and societal acceptance, disability and bullying. Auton manages to combine fantasy and reality, showing us how inclusion and acceptance is not only importance with those around us, but those closest to us (as Willis revealed!). Her protagonist Alpha is a Wreckling, she and her community live in a lighthouse, hidden by magic to any outside observers. To survive, they rob passing ships for supplies, with the help of their local mermaids. Occasionally the lighthouse receives washed up, disabled children whose parents and society have abandoned and neglected. The space becomes a safe environment for them, living without fear of judgement and rejection. Together, they live a happy life, although Alpha craves a family, the mermaid Ephrya acts as a mother substitute and she is thankful for her group of friends, until she discovers a spy, Bobby, hiding on the island. He has been keeping a record of their movements, using offensive and vile nicknames to distinguish the Wrecklings and threatens Alpha with a gun. They imprison and after some questioning, Bobby reveals has been sent by outsiders to capture a mermaid. His arrival puts the whole commune at risk, and turns the characters against one another in their fear of discovery. The novel features some really beautiful messages about trust and family units and allows able-bodied readers to read from the point of view of characters who live with these conditions and are disabled. This teaches readers how it feels to be cast aside and cruelty judged for their bodies. This shouldn’t be an unusual character perspective, but unfortunately it is. We need to see much more of this in all media, not only books but especially TV shows and videogames – and this means having disabled characters as the protagonists, not as secondary, background characters. After a heart stopping adventure, the children realise that they shouldn’t have to hide away from Outsiders, but that Outsiders should accept and respect them for who they are. A really heartwarming novel that is enjoyable for both adult and younger readers!
July 17, 2022
Out at Haven Point is a lighthouse. You might think this is nothing special, but this lighthouse is the home for 42 amazing children. All of these children have somehow found their way to this place that doesn’t appear on any maps. It is a haven for anyone who doesn’t fit in, with a disability of some kind.
Cared for by a man named Cap’n, these children thrive, laugh, bicker and live peacefully without any outsiders pointing, laughing or bullying. In fact, outsiders don’t know it’s even there, let alone be able to visit. There is a special magic – a boundary keeping outsiders out.
Cap’n has help with his charges, in the form of mermaids. These mermaids aren’t the pretty, Disney versions. They have teeth which will shred you if crossed, but it is their magic helping protect Haven Point. So how does this special group survive, you ask?
The children, no matter their disability all become wrecklings. Unsuspecting ships pass by, soon under a mermaid’s spell, not realising some or all of their cargo is missing, until they reach their destination.
This has been the wreckling’s way of life for many years, until the very first wreckling (named Alpha), spots something suspicious. At first it is just a glint, then on further investigation, she and her very best friend Badger discover what they’ve dreaded all along. Who are they? What do they want? And why did the magic let them in?
Everything they know is under threat. Sides are taken and friendships falter. Are the wrecklings still safe from the outside?
Written by an author with their own disability, this story is told with heart, stirred in with magic, mermaids and a man who raises kittens in his beard.
The main character Alpha Lux (named after the Lux Flakes box she was found in), is feisty, curious and brave, but bites off more than she can chew. Her desire to remember her mother’s face drives Alpha headfirst into a plan she never knew existed, thrusting all she knows and loves into danger.
This story is original, imaginative and not one, but all the main characters have a disability. Illustrations throughout the book and on chapter headings help portray the action and characters and Haven Point itself.
A gorgeous story of acceptance, love and all-can-do attitude.
Cared for by a man named Cap’n, these children thrive, laugh, bicker and live peacefully without any outsiders pointing, laughing or bullying. In fact, outsiders don’t know it’s even there, let alone be able to visit. There is a special magic – a boundary keeping outsiders out.
Cap’n has help with his charges, in the form of mermaids. These mermaids aren’t the pretty, Disney versions. They have teeth which will shred you if crossed, but it is their magic helping protect Haven Point. So how does this special group survive, you ask?
The children, no matter their disability all become wrecklings. Unsuspecting ships pass by, soon under a mermaid’s spell, not realising some or all of their cargo is missing, until they reach their destination.
This has been the wreckling’s way of life for many years, until the very first wreckling (named Alpha), spots something suspicious. At first it is just a glint, then on further investigation, she and her very best friend Badger discover what they’ve dreaded all along. Who are they? What do they want? And why did the magic let them in?
Everything they know is under threat. Sides are taken and friendships falter. Are the wrecklings still safe from the outside?
Written by an author with their own disability, this story is told with heart, stirred in with magic, mermaids and a man who raises kittens in his beard.
The main character Alpha Lux (named after the Lux Flakes box she was found in), is feisty, curious and brave, but bites off more than she can chew. Her desire to remember her mother’s face drives Alpha headfirst into a plan she never knew existed, thrusting all she knows and loves into danger.
This story is original, imaginative and not one, but all the main characters have a disability. Illustrations throughout the book and on chapter headings help portray the action and characters and Haven Point itself.
A gorgeous story of acceptance, love and all-can-do attitude.
April 24, 2022
When Alpha was a baby she was left in a soap box and taken in by Cap'n who lives in a lighthouse (and in whose beard always lives a kitten) and Ephyra, a mermaid who lives with her clan in the sea just off the coast. Over the following years more and more people arrive at this special place whose magic boundaries only allows disabled people of all ages to step in and find a place of community, safety and belonging. The inhabitants call themselves the Wrecklings as from time to time - in cooperation with the mermaids - they raid ships to stock up on necessary supplies like medication. But this seemingly utopia starts to crumble at the beginning of the novel when mermaids disappear and Alpha gets the distinct feeling of being watched.
The Secret of Haven Point is a Middle Grade novel which puts disabled people front and center. This is very much a book about disability as the protagonists' disabilities are always part of them and I really appreciated how Auton, who is disabled herself, describes the different ways people do things. (For example, about one character she writes: "So she has to make choices, sometimes between big things like a party, or watching a film, and sometimes between brushing her teeth and sitting up. She says she's a life in balance. She pulls her weight as much as anyone else, but on her own terms like we all do; we measure worth differently here.") And beyond the characters specific experiences the novel starts an overall discussion on what disabled people might need to live full and free lives. All this is packed in a really good and suspenseful adventure and mystery story.
I loved the world this book builds and the glimpses of an inclusive space it gives the reader, the attention to detail for different accomodations. But this novel also does not sugarcoat living with disabilities in a ableist world as it makes clear why this secluded place was needed in the first place and the pain which goes hand in hand with the need of such a place.
[Content note: character deaths]
The Secret of Haven Point is a Middle Grade novel which puts disabled people front and center. This is very much a book about disability as the protagonists' disabilities are always part of them and I really appreciated how Auton, who is disabled herself, describes the different ways people do things. (For example, about one character she writes: "So she has to make choices, sometimes between big things like a party, or watching a film, and sometimes between brushing her teeth and sitting up. She says she's a life in balance. She pulls her weight as much as anyone else, but on her own terms like we all do; we measure worth differently here.") And beyond the characters specific experiences the novel starts an overall discussion on what disabled people might need to live full and free lives. All this is packed in a really good and suspenseful adventure and mystery story.
I loved the world this book builds and the glimpses of an inclusive space it gives the reader, the attention to detail for different accomodations. But this novel also does not sugarcoat living with disabilities in a ableist world as it makes clear why this secluded place was needed in the first place and the pain which goes hand in hand with the need of such a place.
[Content note: character deaths]
February 1, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. It was such a great idea to have a cast of people with various disabilities who were so able and with the author using the best language to describe them. That aspect of the story was excellent. However, the actual plot just didn't work for me. At the start of the story I was really confused as to what was going on, and I couldn't understand the world which was being described. For the first half of the book, it was actually quite boring, as I struggled to get my head around the set up of this extremely strange place. There was a lot more action in the second half of the book, but there were still quite a lot of things that didn't make sense. I felt that throughout the book, I had some unanswered questions or some half-answered questions. I don't think I would recommend this to children, as it left me feeling quite troubled. There were so many rejected children, they survived by stealing and there is quite a lot of violence. There is an important character later in the book, but I felt I knew very little about her from the start of the book, so there were very few clues what her motives were in doing what she did. The style of the writing leaves the reader guessing quite a lot. When I read at the end that the author was a poet, that made sense. There was a poetic feel to the book, and I had noticed the many two-line sentences throughout. I would love to read more books about children with disabilities being the main characters in a book, but for me, this book made me feel quite unsettled and confused, and I'd be looking for a different book based on disabled children to read to my class.
I should also say that the illustrations were excellent.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I should also say that the illustrations were excellent.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 1, 2022
When you read a book written in the first person, do you hear the voice and accent in your head? As a trained actor-director, this is a big thing for me and I love books with a strong sense of character and location that are conjured through the narrative voice.
The Secret of Haven Point is one such book and I adored it. This story of mermaids, pirates and the children that the mainland forgot is told from the perspective of orphan, Alpha. She delivers a strong sense of location in both her descriptions and through the Captain’s gristly sea-faring accent that the impressionable Wrecklings have come to inherit.
The endearing youthfulness of the narrative voice is a wonderful hook, effectively beckoning us to view the island through her eyes. I love the use of playful phrases such as ‘higgledy-piggledy’, ‘bird-luck poop’ and ‘knock the silly out of me’ that Alpha has clearly picked up from the other Wrecklings and their experiences of the ‘Outside’.
Lisette Auton’s passion for the locality, influenced by her hometown, beams, as does her humbling determination to create a haven for children with disabilities. This is a brilliantly inclusive adventure for young and middle grade readers, who are sure to be swept up in the excitement of the well told tale.
Thank you to @netgalley for sending an e-arc copy to review. 💛 🏝 🧜♀️ 🌊
The Secret of Haven Point is one such book and I adored it. This story of mermaids, pirates and the children that the mainland forgot is told from the perspective of orphan, Alpha. She delivers a strong sense of location in both her descriptions and through the Captain’s gristly sea-faring accent that the impressionable Wrecklings have come to inherit.
The endearing youthfulness of the narrative voice is a wonderful hook, effectively beckoning us to view the island through her eyes. I love the use of playful phrases such as ‘higgledy-piggledy’, ‘bird-luck poop’ and ‘knock the silly out of me’ that Alpha has clearly picked up from the other Wrecklings and their experiences of the ‘Outside’.
Lisette Auton’s passion for the locality, influenced by her hometown, beams, as does her humbling determination to create a haven for children with disabilities. This is a brilliantly inclusive adventure for young and middle grade readers, who are sure to be swept up in the excitement of the well told tale.
Thank you to @netgalley for sending an e-arc copy to review. 💛 🏝 🧜♀️ 🌊
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