Venkatraman, Padma. Safe Harbor. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025. 978-0-593-11250-2. $17.99. 176 p. Grades 4-8.
Geetha and her mother move from India to Rhode Island in hope of a fresh start after her mother and father divorce. Geetha struggles with being bullied for her clothes, her English, and her foods all while also leaving her life, friends, and family. She soon makes friends with a classmate named Miguel, who she seems to have a lot in common with, including caring about the sea creatures. Geetha and Miguel end up helping save a injured seal, and while Geetha is happy that she was able to help the seal, she starts to struggle immensely with her anger. She is angry that her mom made her move, that people are so careless and pollute the ocean leading to the harm of many animals. When it is finally time to release the seal back into the wild, Geetha starts to accept that feelings can co-exist; she can be happy and sad to see the seal go, just like she can be upset about moving from India and leaving her life behind while also happy to help marine life.
THOUGHTS: This was a quick, but powerful read. Middle level readers who love animals will enjoy this book. I found the relationship between Geetha and her mother to be realistic and really heartwarming. Geetha’s mother at times tries to protect her from the realities of her depression and mental illness, but eventually Geetha expresses to her mom that she would rather be involved and know what is going on with her mother’s mental health that be shielded from it.
Realistic Fiction
Novel-In-Verse
Gheetha and her mom have just moved to Rhode Island from India. While her mom is excited to start a new life in the USA as a doctoral student, Gheetha is less than thrilled to leave her family and beloved dog behind. Gheetha faces obstacles in school—between re-learning in the American system to dealing with ruthless bullies—and she finds solace in playing her flute and walking on the local beach. One day, Gheetha encounters a hurt harp seal, and she makes an unexpected new friend, Miguel, in the process of rescuing the wounded animal. Gheetha must learn to grow and heal, alongside Santo the seal, in her new and unknown environment.
THOUGHTS: At just over 150 pages, this novel in verse is highly accessible to verse novel beginners looking to try out a new reading experience. With themes of identity, environmentalism, and resilience, this book will appeal widely to many upper elementary and middle school students. The adorable seal on the front cover doesn’t hurt, either. Recommended for addition to all realistic fiction collections.
Realistic Fiction
Novel-In-Verse