Headlines about global warming and animals being harmed in the process. Organisms losing habitats. Penguins losing homes due to ice melting. These might serve as a reminder to what is happening in the world today, and Haven Jacobs, the main character of Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, a realistic fiction book, is especially aware of it. Join in on Haven’s journey to mend the world and her friendships in this astounding, wonderful book by Barbara Dee. 

Haven is a girl who has always cared about the environment and wanted to help save it, but she has become increasingly worried after seeing a video about penguins’ homes melting. She and her class wade into their local Belmont River and collect data about it. The results don’t seem to be good, however, and worries rise about pollution and chemicals in the water, especially for Haven. Not only that, but it seems like Riley, her best friend, is abandoning her for Em, and Archer, her childhood friend, has stopped talking to her at school. She and her friends help investigate and protest to aid in saving the river, but will it be enough? Can Haven preserve the river, her bonds, and solve her own problems of feeling anxious in the process? Read the book to find out!

I would rate this book 4.5 stars because it seems like an incredible book. There wasn’t really anything I would change. However, Em’s character is a bit difficult to comprehend when it comes to Haven. I definitely connected with Haven’s anxiety about global warming, and it’s an inspiring message to other kids reading who feel a similar way. They should know that they can help in small ways and take small steps, no matter how small they seem. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy realistic fiction, learning about global warming, and are middle schoolers and above. This book is a special one because I don’t usually see books about kids being anxious about topics like this. It’s a real, serious issue, and motivating people and educating them about helping conserve Earth and its life.