From critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee comes a
"thought-provoking...wonderful" (School Library Journal) 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.
