I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet
by Barbara Dee
Published by Aladdin
on September 27, 2022
Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction
Length: 302 pages
Ages: 9 - 13

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Synopsis:
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, and 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 that 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 that taking action might put her dad's job--and some friendships--in jeopardy, Haven must decide how far she's willing to go. 

My Thoughts:

Haven Jacobs can't stop thinking about climate change and how it affects our planet. After learning more about it she wants to help but feels as if there is nothing she can do against such a dark future. No one seems to take her worries seriously, but she is prompted to channel her eco-anxiety through doing small deeds. Haven gets her chance when a science project has her classmates collecting water samples at a local river that seems to have changed drastically since the local GEMBA factory opened.
Where have all the frogs gone? And what can one seventh-grader do about it?

Haven Jacobs navigates severe anxiety over a looming climate crisis as well as the complicated world of pre-teen friendships, bullies, and more in this absorbing middle-grade realistic-fiction read.

Barbara Dee has quickly become one of my favorite middle-grade authors!
Her novels all focus on tough topics that affect young people, their families, communities, and the world around them, and include ways to navigate those topics in helpful ways.
Eco-anxiety, and anxiety in general, is something that is increasingly affecting more children, teens, and adults than ever before and this wonderful novel helps put some of these worries into perspective and gives the reader reminders of how powerful small deeds can be. 


I would especially recommend this to readers who enjoyed Carl Hiaasen's middle-grade novels; Hoot, Chomp, and Flush! 

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