Haven

by Beverly Patt

Fourteen year old Latonya Dennison needs a home and, as luck would have it, Rudy Morris s home is available. However, because Latonya is black and Rudy s family is white, the foster care system is unwilling to make the placement. When Latonya, Rudy and Rudy s goofball friend, Stark, take matters into their own hands, each discovers a unique definition of family, as well as a few surprises along the road.

Genres: Fiction

218 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2009

Reviews

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Something always happens during Christmas that lasts in your mind forever. It could be that you received nothing on your Christmas list and wondered what in the world is wrong with Santa. Maybe you did receive everything on the list, and yet you still felt something missing.

For Rudy Morris and Latonya Dennison, what they would remember the most about this Christmas is simply meeting each other.

Every year, the Morris family would invite a child from The Haven, the place full of kids waiting to be put in a foster home, over for Christmas. This time, it just happens to be Latonya. What did they each wish for? Rudy wanted an ATV and Latonya just wanted a home. Unfortunately, neither received what they wanted. Instead, an unexpected adventure and friendship was formed.

Latonya has had trouble being selected for a foster home numerous times, as the requests have always been denied, with race being an unfortunate factor. Since the ones in charge are not willing to help Latonya, she must take matters into her own hands, with the help of Rudy and his friend Stark, of course.

With what was supposed to be just a normal holiday season for Rudy, it quickly turns into a roller coaster ride that includes fixing up an ATV, a plot to run away, and confronting emotions that all are too scared to approach.

Not wanting to give too much away, HAVEN is a riveting novel full of twists and action with the added passion to pull on any heartstrings. Beverly Patt creates a cast of characters that anyone who reads HAVEN will be able to relate to. Do NOT pass up HAVEN, as it is one novel that will leave a lasting impression. With this story, readers will quickly discover that their own family means so much more than they would ever admit or even believe.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most frustrating thing about these kinds of books is: you cant buy them at a book store, (it's online order only) and the local libraries don't carry them either. To think how many people might not have the opportunity to read this beautiful story saddens me. I loved this book! It was exciting and sweet, it made me care about the characters two pages into the book! I know, I know some people might find it contrived but I disagree, and if someone as bitter and judgmental as me can love it, then anyone can and will.

[Suey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It's a simple story about a boy who befriends a girl who lives at the Haven, a home for displaced kids. She gets him to make a deal with her, one that he's not so sure about. Meanwhile, he's trying to figure out what's up with his own dad, and why does he, himself, have such an ache in his heart.

[Sydney]

Really great boy voice. I couldn't figure out why this book was set in the 1980s--until the crazy foster care laws came into play. The slightly historical time period adds the thought-provoking element of racial issues. Would be a good classroom read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't as thrilled with this book as I thought I would be but it was ok. The Haven is a home where youth go when there isn't anyone to look after them. Latonya has been at this home for awhile and her time is running out. After meeting Rudy and his family when they brought her to his home for a Christmas dinner, Latonya finds out that Rudy really wanted an ATV for Christmas and she devises a plan to get him one after they meet again.
Her plan is that Rudy will fix the ATV in the old barn on the Haven property and in turn he will help her run away, then he can keep it. Rudy enlists his friend Stark to help as he isn't good at fixing things. Over time the ATV is fixed and Latonya needs to leave quickly as she will be moved from the Haven to another temporary placement as there aren't any permanent placements to go to as she is an African American child and she must go to an African American family, of which there are few.
As the plan unfolds Rudy gets to thinking that this may not be the best idea even though he desperately wants the ATV. As this drama is unfolding Rudy is struggling as he believes his dad doesn't love him and 'hears' him say that.
As Rudy and Stark are helping Latonya run away the secrets begin to unfold within Rudy and Starks families. There are a few surprises and some possible changes with Latonya's living situation.

[Darcy Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book from start to finish. This book took me a long time to read, but hey I loved it. A beautiful ending for all. Latonya thinks about running away. She has been placed in the Hope house twice neither one of them good situations. I feel sorry for her and the others that are ward of the states. I did not know until reading this book that until the 90s African Americans could not be placed with White families. I would give them the best family possible.

I love the ATV being fixed. Latonya is really good at getting her way. She is determined. At such a young age she knows what she wants. She understands all that is going on. And she even has a friend to help her.

[Rosanne]

It's a Class of 2K9 book

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard the author speak too!