Safe Harbor

Gr 5 Up--Venkatraman's latest novel beautifully captures the theme of finding love by letting go. Gheeta, a young girl from Tamil Nadu, India, relocates to America with her mother after her parents' divorce. Leaving behind her beloved patti, appa, and dog Dhurrie, Gheeta struggles with sadness and adjustment in her new environment, where she faces bullies and cultural challenges. However, her life begins to change when Miguel, a boy her age, and Santo, a harp seal pup in need of rescue, enter her world. Through her efforts to help Santo and connect with her new friends, Gheeta discovers her place in this unfamiliar setting and learns that sometimes release is necessary for growth. Written in verse, this novel offers a poignant exploration of emotional resilience and the bittersweet nature of change. It will particularly resonate with readers who value themes of personal growth, cultural adjustment, and the power of compassion. Additionally, environmental advocates will find the subplot of rescuing Santo and the broader message of climate awareness engaging and relevant, which is a perfect fit for middle school library collections. VERDICT The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.--Jessica Siddharth

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Aquatic pollution and marine life conservation propel this fish-out-of-water verse novel. Following tween Geeta's parents' divorce, Geeta and her mother, who is studying for her doctorate in psychology, emigrate from Chennai, India, to the U.S., seeking a fresh start. Afraid of triggering Amma's depression, Geeta squelches her anger at being uprooted. Their apartment complex--"squat gray buildings.../ on a narrow gray street below a dull gray sky"--is close to the ocean, but unlike the Bay of Bengal, Narragansett Bay is empty and cold. School is no better, especially when a "shiny-smile" girl targets Geeta with daily bullying. A fledgling friendship with Latinx-cued local Miguel seems doomed following initial miscommunication, but the two later reconnect when trying to save an injured baby harp seal. They name him Santo and learn that he's drifted from his usual habitat due to global warming. Issues surrounding her parents' separation, Amma's mental health, and the effects both have on Geeta's own life, are somewhat dampened by familiar plotting. Venkatraman (Born Behind Bars) centering adult women of color in STEM spaces, including a veterinary technician and Miguel's oceanographer mother, who act as role models for Geeta add an empowering undertone. Ages 10-up. (Jan.)

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