"Three days hammered in Haven's heart as she
followed the fox back into the trees. She forgot
her wet legs and paws. She forgot about the river
and the ravine. She forgot everything but three
days to get back to Ma Millie."
What a lovely day for me today! I got some important work done, talked with four of my favorite people on FaceTime and the phone. It was another reading day and I started, and finished, Haven. It is an adventurous, tender, courageous, and emotional tale that offers well-developed characters to love, lots of action, and an engaging storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats at times and moving along to see what happens next. If you are looking for a family read, or a story to share in a grade 3, 4, 5 classroom, this might be just the ticket.
After early trauma as a kitten in the forest, Haven is taken in by Ma Millie. She loves the smell of baking bread, the gentle care she gets from Ma, and the safe and comfy life of an indoor cat. When Ma Millie succumbs to a terrible illness, Haven decides she will do whatever it takes to get her help, and save her. Her first challenge is to find a way out of the house. Once outside, she is not sure what to do or where to look. She sets off anyway, determined to get help.
Along the way she meets some pretty special animals who help her. Especially important is an intelligent and caring fox who leads her through the many dangers of the forest to a nearby town where help might be found. Told from three alternating perspectives, it is a harrowing journey that lasts three days. The two finally make it to their destination, only to find there is no help there. In an unexpected and terrifying twist, Haven herself must be saved.
Haven's loyalty to her beloved Ma Millie and her trust in her new friend awakens a confidence that takes her from one danger to the next. The action is at times fierce, and the conclusion is heartfelt. This is a courageous quest, and will be enjoyed by readers with enough independence to try a middle grade novel, or for older readers who need that same confidence.
"You don't have to be big to be brave."
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