Overview

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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9780998173634

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Reviews

""Sensitive and tender. Biel handles the tough topics here with delicacy and impact. Teens-and adults-will appreciate this journey from self-doubt to self-renewal."" - Silvia Acevedo, author of the award-winning God Awful series ""...a moving and well-executed work that sensitively addresses tough topics while highlighting the importance of community and the true meaning of home."" - Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson series ""Biel tackles topics of friendship and hardship in an authentic way as Mardella and her mom flee a troubled home situation. . . 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 with wonderful friends. - Barbara M. Britton, award-winning author ""Beautifully written with the utmost sensitivity, this novel speaks to the challenges of domestic abuse from the point of view of spunky 11-year-old Mardella. . . Laced with insight, this exceptional novel will engage children and adults alike. - Jeannée Sacken, author of the award-winning Annie Hawkins series "". . .a page-turning middle-grade novel that you'll keep thinking about long after you've closed the book. Haven addresses a tough issue . . . sure to raise important discussion questions."" - Amy Laundrie, author, columnist, and retired teacher ""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!"" - Kathy Nieber, children's book author ""It was only when I finished the book and re-read the Dedication that I fully understood the power of this story. Haven restored my faith in people of all ages."" - Mary Behan, award-winning author of Finding Isobel and A Measured Thread

Author Information

Valerie Biel writes books for middle grade to adult audiences--stories inspired by her travels and her insatiable curiosity. Her award-winning, young adult fantasy series, Circle of Nine, was inspired by the myth and magic of Ireland's ancient stone circles. She's also the author of Haven, a contemporary middle grade novel, and Beyond the Cemetery Gate, a YA mystery suspense story. She helps other authors with their book promotion and marketing and frequently teaches writing workshops to students of all ages. When Valerie's away from the computer, you might find her wrangling her overgrown garden, traveling the world, and reading everything she can get her hands on. Once upon a time, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin with degrees in journalism and political science. She lives with her husband on a (tiny) portion of her family's century-old farm in rural Wisconsin, but regularly dreams of finding a cozy cottage on the Irish coast where she can write and write.

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