Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet

A science video about the glaciers in Antarctica and the threat to its wildlife just adds fire to Haven’s heightened anxiety about the environment. She is really worried about the climate and how the adults just don’t seem to be doing enough, if anything at all. When her class begins the river project, completed by every seventh grade class every year, she is hopeful about their findings, as her older brother shared his previous experience.

However, as her class’s findings come in and the complete absence of frogs is noticed, Haven knows there’s something going on, and she even knows who might be at fault. Gemba is a new employer in town, but she has to tread carefully as the company employs many people in town, including her own father.

As usual, Dee handles a scary topic with kid gloves, giving young readers validation for their fears and concerns. Haven’s beliefs are stronger than her anxiety, which shows that kids can do something constructive, but she takes it further, questioning her decisions and evaluating outcomes to do better next time. She is not satisfied until she has learned the truth. Another excellent addition to Dee’s growing bookshelf.