Haven
Haven by Valerie Biel, published by Lost Lake Press on October 31, 2024, is a middle grade novel that explores the challenges faced by 11-year-old Mardella Houston as she and her mother escape from an abusive situation. With 176 pages, this edition presents a sensitive narrative about Mardella’s journey to start anew in the small town of Haven, Minnesota. As they settle into their new life, Mardella grapples with feelings of guilt and responsibility for her family’s circumstances, believing that her actions led to their current situation.
In Haven, readers will find a story that addresses difficult discussions surrounding family life and friendship. Mardella’s efforts to bring cheer to her new home at Rest Haven Senior Living lead her to unexpected friendships across generations. However, the looming threat of her father’s return forces Mardella to confront her fears and take action to protect her newfound family. This narrative delves into themes of growing up, social skills, and the meaning of home, offering a poignant look at resilience and self-discovery through the eyes of a preteen.
Official synopsis Publisher
Taking only what they can quickly pack, 11-year-old Mardella Houston and her mom secretly move away from her abusive, drug-dealing father to start a fresh life in the one-stoplight town of Haven, Minnesota. But Mardella’s sure she’s to blame-if only she hadn’t dialed 911, none of this would be happening. Her dad wouldn’t be in jail, her mom would still have her old job, Mardella would still have friends, and they wouldn’t be starting over. She knows she should be grateful that her mom’s new job at Rest Haven Senior Living gives them a place to live-but the over-age-65 residence is a boring, run-down, funny smelling place. Even so, Mardella volunteers to make their new home as cheerful as possible. Through these colorful projects, she is surprised that she soon has new friends-of all ages. But when her father gets out of jail, angry and determined to find them, Mardella realizes she’s made another terrible mistake-one that might destroy her chance at a new, happy life. This time it’s up to her to fix everything and keep her mom and new friends safe. This moving middle grade novel sensitively addresses a tough topic through the eyes of a preteen. It’s a story about misplaced guilt, intergenerational friendships, and an unlikely found family as Mardella discovers her inner strength and the true meaning of home.”From a dark and bruising past to a bright and colorful future, this story of found family and self-forgiveness is sure to touch your heart.” – Silvia Acevedo, author of the award-winning GOD AWFUL series
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