HAVEN
◆ Firebird Book Award Winner - Best Children's Book, Best Realistic Fiction, Best Preteen Book
◆ IBPA Silver Medal for Children's Fiction
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.
CLASSROOM INFORMATION / TEACHING GUIDE
FROM MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: "Valerie Biel's compelling story of survival, recovery, and discovery builds a story not only important for libraries and educators to recommend as leisure reads, but which ideally will serve as a point of discussion for classrooms and in middle grade reading circles."
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Firebird Book Awards - Best Children's Book, Best Realistic Fiction, Best Preteen Fiction
Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner
IBPA Silver Medalist - Middle Grade Fiction
Eric Hoffer Award Finalist
CIBA Gertrude Warner Award semi-finalist
PRAISE FOR HAVEN
"This heartfelt, realistic novel for middle-school readers handles a serious topic with care."
- Kirkus Reviews
Semi-finalist for the CIBA Gertrude Warner Book Award for outstanding middle grade fiction.
“Sensitive and tender. Biel handles the tough topics here with delicacy and impact.”
- Silvia Acevedo, author of the award-winning God Awful series
Mardella "is a strong young lady who will forge ahead for what she believes in, even if it requires some difficult and quick decisions. A powerful story."
- Five-Star Review, Readers' Favorite
"Haven's consideration of different possibilities of healing and recovery. . .makes for a thoroughly engrossing, thought-provoking saga."
- Midwest Book Review
". . . this heartwarming middle grade story of intergenerational connection and healing is rewarding for readers of all ages."
- Self-Publishing Review
“. . .a story of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of kindness.”
- Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson series
“As a former middle school counselor, my heart strings were tugged. . . Biel did her research and gently shows hope for the victims of abuse. Bravo!”
– author Kathy Nieber
“Beautifully written with the utmost sensitivity. . ."
- Jeannée Sacken, author of the award-winning Annie Hawkins series
“This is a book that many parents, grandparents, and others will want to offer to the young people in their lives.”
- Reader Views Kids 5-Star Review
“. . . this is an especially important story. Readers will admire Mardella, sympathize with her, and cheer for her.”
- Gayle Rosengren, author of What the Moon Said, Cold War on Maplewood Street and MacKenzie’s Last Run
“Biel tackles topics of friendship and hardship in an authentic way . . . You will leave Rest Haven Senior Living with a smile on your face as Mardella and her mom find a new place to call home.”
– Barbara M. Britton, award-winning author
"Seasoned author Valerie Biel deals gently with the subject of domestic violence through characters young readers will root for and a story that will keep them turning pages to the end!"
– Karla Manternach, author of the Meena Zee Books
"Valerie Biel's Haven is a heart-warming middle-grade novel that effortlessly weaves together captivating storytelling with thought-provoking themes."
- Christy Wopat, author of Almost a Mother and Always Ours
“Haven restored my faith in people of all ages.”
- Mary Behan, Award-winning author of A Measured Thread and Finding Isobel.
INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY
I believe stories are magic. I’ve always loved to read—ever since I was able to do so on my own. (Before that, I would just beg my big sisters to read to me!) I feel like I have the best job in the world as a storyteller!
Mardella’s story is particularly important to me. It all began when she was in my head, badgering me to write her story. I set out to write just the first few chapters, because I was busy with other projects I wanted to finish. But she wouldn’t let me go and her story came pouring out as fast as I could type. And I'm so glad that it did. Thank you, Mardella! This story is on a tough topic but one, unfortunately, many people often confront either directly or indirectly in their real lives. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788. As Mardella learned, it is NEVER wrong to call for the help you need.
FIRST CHAPTER FRIDAY!!
Haven was featured as a First Chapter Friday pick . . . watch below to sample the first chapter followed by a short interview with Valerie!
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