The Secret of Haven Point

Product Information

I'm so glad this book exists!!!!! We follow a wonderful found family of disabled characters who live in a lighthouse and there's magic and mermaids, what else do you need??? I'm so glad that this book is out there to read for disabled kids but also non disabled kids to read about these characters and have this representation, it's so important! The author (who's disabled herself) starts the book of with an amazing author's note about language and representation surrounding disability 👏🏻 Out at Haven Point is a lighthouse. You might think this is nothing special, but this lighthouse is the home for 42 amazing children. All of these children have somehow found their way to this place that doesn’t appear on any maps. It is a haven for anyone who doesn’t fit in, with a disability of some kind. Alpha as the main protagonist was everything you want in a lead character. I loved my time with her and her friends, and the ending is set up nicely to allow for a sequel (fingers crossed). If I haven’t already sold the book to you, what you probably need to know, what you really, really need to know, is that there is a character who walks around with a tiny cat living in his beard!!

This well-written book was quite an emotional story. There is strong sense of place and well-developed characters especially Maren, Annie and Skye who each felt like outsiders in Haven Point. Some sections felt a little long but overall this was a satisfying read as each woman tried to find their place in a community that was not accepting of people unlike themselves. Puffin started out as a non-fiction publisher, with its first title appearing in 1940. As the most iconic and well-known children’s book brand in the UK today, we are always on the lookout for innovative ways to tell the world’s favourite stories and for brilliant new debut talent and brands that connect with today’s young readers, from newborn up to twelve years old. This book had everything I could've wanted in a middle-grade novel, in my disability-fiction and more. A lovable full cast of disabled but very capable heroes, a sea-side adventure with a sprinkle of mermaid-magic, and beautiful underlying message about friendship, found-family, love and acceptance. Whether you look at the disability issues within the narrative as positive or negative, I do not know. What I will say, it was brilliantly covered, with some eye-opening moments that brought home some problems I had never thought about before. If that was the book's aim, it obviously worked on me, proof positive. The beautiful illustrations enhance this delightful story, and we are given an introduction to the illustrators at the end of the book, which is a nice touch.the characters were very diverse, most of them having some kind of disability. however, in Haven Point, they are never looked down upon. Everyone has something they can do, and everything is adapted to allow everyone to take part in as much as possible.

To me, Virginia Hume is right up there with Pat Conroy and William Kent Krueger. (two of my favorites). In adulthood, Annie was troubled by alcoholism, either hereditary or a result of her dealing with her tragic past, possibly both. Skye, Annie’s daughter is often rescued by her grandmother and taken to Haven Point while her mother stays in a treatment center. Skye has adopted her mother’s dislike of Haven Point.Many thanks to the author, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Haven Point in advance of its publication. I’ll be anxious to read what Virginia Hume writes next. The winners of the Diverse Book Awards 2023 have been announced, with one winner from each of the four categories announced: Picture book, Children...

I will be more than happy to continue this series in the future, it was a lovely world to escape to! The story moves at a languid, thoughtful pace that seems just perfect for lazy summer days by the sea. The characters were interesting and nuanced. I loved Maren’s mother-in-law. She was a hoot! This book is beautifully written, and the characters are fascinating. Maren, Annie, and Skye are well developed, and all have complex emotional journeys through the telling of the story. The beautiful community of Haven Point on the coast of Maine is well described and is a stunning setting for most of the story. The book is a bit long and does drag a bit in the middle, as the setting for the story is set up. However, it’s worthwhile to get to the end, where the story ramps up and draws to an emotional and fulfilling ending. This story is original, imaginative and not one, but all the main characters have a disability. Illustrations throughout the book and on chapter headings help portray the action and characters and Haven Point itself. LA: I did feel scared, the weight was a lot. Emma and I realised that the note on language would serve two purposes – help me to feel okay (access needs being met!) and set out my activism stall right at the beginning, a call to action, if you find yourself missing from book shelves, write the stories you need to read. And if you like this book, ask for more! In all the writing palaver, I know this sounds silly, but I hadn’t realised it would be read . My incredible copy editor, Wendy, told me what it meant to her to find herself reflected in a character, and since it has gone out into the world there has been so much more of this from children and parents. That makes me proud, that disabled children are seeing themselves on an adventure, in a gang of friends, not wanting or needing to be magically fixed, but celebrated exactly the way they are. It will make me even more proud when those children write their heart song books and they appear on shelves.

Haven Point by Virginia Hume, is an enjoyable, and interesting multi-generational family saga, starting in Washington DC, at the start of World War II. This is a story of love, family, secrets, and perceptions that will endear you to the characters as the book brings you into their lives. This story is told in many different time settings. It begins during WWII in a hospital in Washington DC where a doctor and cadet nurse meet while treating the wounded soldiers. This starts Maren and Oliver's story. They soon wed and Oliver takes Maren to his family home in Haven Point, Maine where they vacation every summer. The community is a bit snooty and gossipy but Maren soon finds some true friends there. The story continues into Maren and Oliver's marriage and subsequent birth of their three children.