The Secret of Haven Point
Author Lisette Auton
Illustrator Valentina Toro
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Story
Alpha Lux was the first Wreckling to arrive at Haven Point as a baby and was brought up by the Lighthouse Keeper and mermaid, Ephyra. More Wrecklings followed, finding Haven Point a safe, welcoming, inclusive home for any disabled person who needs somewhere to belong.
But this safety is about to be compromised when the boundaries which keep Haven Point a secret from outsiders, begin to disappear, leaving the residents – and their magic – exposed. Alpha and her friends must work together to protect the mermaids and their home, whilst also being confronted with questions over their future and what it means to belong.
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Why we chose it
Beautifully written, with stunning imagery used for the fantastical elements. A swashbuckling adventure story about a community of disabled people written by a disabled author - a fantasy novel featuring a cast of disabled characters who celebrate their differences and are perfectly capable of saving themselves.
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What a young reviewer said
An eye-opening read. Wonderfully written with the most beautiful illustrations (Iris, age 13)
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First published
2022, Penguin Random House
Story Reviews
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This book was an eye opening read. It depicts a safe haven for all people with disabilities. The main character called Alpha has a facial difference, and her best friend, Bager, is blind and navigates using bat-like clicks that bounce off the walls. The lighthouse at Haven Point is run by a man with a kitten in his beard, and Alpha, along with 41 other people (who they call Wrecklings) carry out ship wreckings and take the items they most need with the help of the mermaids, who erase the sailors memories and send them safely on their way. But, when Alpha spots a glint in the surrounding hills, she has to investigate, and she begins an adventure, with the hope that, at the end, she will find her mum. It was eye opening to the difficulties faced by people with disabilities and it was wonderfully written with the most beautiful illustrations.