I was interested in reading this story because of my own growing awareness about the impact we are having on our climate and environment. The anxiety that the main character, Haven, feels is something more and more people are becoming aware of and maybe are even experiencing.
While this story might be seem a little intense for children already grappling with anxiety, it may also be helpful to show that they are not alone in their anxious feelings and behaviours. I’m really glad that this story showed me a window into the feelings that Haven was experiencing as well as showing her getting counseling help.
I really enjoy the realism of Barbara Dee's characters. Haven wasn’t a perfect student and I appreciated how she had an understanding teacher to encourage her to complete her work. Haven’s
river project gave her a chance to use problem-solving skills, collect data and
speak out about something important to her. I loved the message that small
steps are important in bringing about change.
Connections: eco-anxiety, climate, environment, data collection
Activities for
students:
Social-Emotional Learning – A lot of times we can
feel anxious about things happening that are beyond are control. Encourage
students to regularly practice mindfulness or calming strategies such as one of
the many techniques in the book, Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey (Rodale Kids, 2017).
Literacy – After reading, students could discuss the climate problem and solutions Haven tried, or represent the information in a graphic organizer.
Literacy & Art—Design a poster Haven might have
created to advertise her project.
Math/Science—Explore a climate related issue such
as pollution by considering trash around your school yard. For example, collect
data to monitor the amount of trash collected weekly in your school yard. How
could you increase awareness of the issue?
Description from the publisher:
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.
Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee was published by Simon
& Schuster in 2022.
