Haven by Valerie Biel

Tender in its depiction of starting over and processing trauma, Haven by Valerie Biel is an uplifting reminder that family comes in all forms. Leaving behind a broken home, Mardella and her mother begin again in a senior living center, which means a colorful cast of charming new neighbors and unexpected friends for the curious and artistic youngster. Rediscovering a childhood of peace, support, and companionship, Mardella begins to settle into this new chapter of her life, but the emotional shadow of the past is longer than she expected. Biel writes sensitively about the delicate subjects of abuse and drug use, and though Mardella needs to come to the aid of her mom, she’s never painted as too wise beyond her years, making her a singularly relatable protagonist. Spot-on authentic about the struggles of both children and adults, this heartwarming middle grade story of intergenerational connection and healing is rewarding for readers of all ages.