Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee - Available

Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet

by Barbara Dee
Mehr Dudeja
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available
From critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee comes a middle grade novel about a young girl who channels her anxiety about the climate crisis into rallying her community to save a local river.
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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    September 27, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780593626702
      • File size: 162354 KB
      • Duration: 05:38:14

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • Lexile® Measure: 640
    • Text Difficulty: 2-3

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      October 3, 2022
      For sensitive seventh grader Haven, “things counted only when I knew how they added up, or how they ended.” So when her science teacher shows the class a video detailing the impact of climate change on Antarctic glaciers, Haven can’t stop thinking about the global crisis; gripped by nightmares and eco-anxiety, she becomes desperate to help. Drawing inspiration from a Martin Luther King Jr. quote about doing “small things in a great way,” Haven advocates an investigation of changes to the town river, which a school science project reveals is newly acidic. As Haven wrestles with big issues, she also struggles with the social challenges of middle school, including changing friendships. A new company in town, which employs Haven’s father and has recently revitalized the community, contributes nuance to a plot about environmental and social ethics. Though Dee (Violets Are Blue) offers no easy answers about how an individual can make a significant impact, Haven’s endeavors are earnestly wrought, and her compassionate heart and interpersonal conflicts balance the book’s environmental thrust. Ages 9–13. Agent: Jill Grinberg, Jill Grinberg Literary.

    • School Library Journal

      January 1, 2023

      Gr 4-8-The climate crisis has turned 12-year-old Haven into an alarming newspaper headline: "SEVENTH GRADER GRIPPED BY ECO-ANXIETY." As embarrassed as she is, the article isn't wrong-Haven's worry over the environment has become personally debilitating. Her teacher offers gentle guidance by example: "I can't fix the whole world, but I can have a local impact." While single-handedly preventing glacial melt isn't probable, Haven can help determine what's polluting the town's Belmont River-plus, nature is all connected! The most obvious change is the new glass factory that's given Haven's dad a much-needed job. Will fighting for the environment hurt her own family? Relative newbie Dudeja energetically, empathically embodies the rhythms of middle schoolers discussing school pizza, boring homework, new crushes, and-of course!-the fate of the entire planet. VERDICT Dee shrinks overwhelming impossibility into manageable opportunity; Dudeja proves herself an ideally convincing ally.

      Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:640
  • Text Difficulty:2-3

Loading