Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee

 

Publisher: Aladdin

Publication date: September 27th 2022

Pages: 304

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Eco-Anxiety. It was a word I never heard of before I read this book. It is the problem the main character of this book, twelve year old Haven Jacobs, is suffering from. Because it is not going well with the climate and it is rightfully so that people are worried about the(ir) future. How will the state of the planet be then? But Haven's eco anxiety is getting a little out of hand. It is influencing her daily life at home, school, sleep and friendships so much that it's not healthy anymore. She wonders why not everyone is so worried about it like her, and why no one seems to do something about the climate crisis.

Her dad works at a new local  glass factory, Gemba. Gemba is a huge contributor and sponsor to a lot of local things.

In her 7th grade science class they are doing a study on  a local river, and they find out that the local river is polluted, and probably by a local factory. But who? Haven knows to set her anxiety into action, and researches and investigates who is behind the pollution..

I have read several previous books by Barbara Dee before, and everytime they suprise me. Barbara Dee knows just exactly how to put different and difficult topics into middle grade books. Without making the difficulties too difficult for young readers, but in a way that make them think about the topic and to think outside the box. And this truly also counts for this amazing new book. Eco anxiety is something that many young kids can relate too, as many kids, tweens and teens are eco-aware. Haven is just the girl they can relate too, as she could be you or someone you know. I loved how she turned her eco anxiety that somewhat annoyed her family and friends, into full on eco-action and got everyone involved into the action.

Beautifully written and full of action, and besides Haven, a lively cast of friends and family. I absolutely love this new book by Barbara Dee!! Recommend it!