India-West Staff Reporter
Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman, Nancy Paulsen Books, 176 pages, $17.99
Padma Venkatraman, the acclaimed author behind The Bridge Home and Born Behind Bars, is set to release her sixth novel, Safe Harbor, on January 21. This novel-in-verse, aimed at middle-grade readers, weaves together themes of resilience, environmental care, and emotional growth.
The story follows Geetha and Miguel, two children who rescue an injured seal on the Rhode Island coast. Through this act of compassion, they confront personal struggles and forge a deep friendship. Geetha, an aspiring musician, uses her Indian bamboo flute to connect with the seal, blending cultural tradition with modern science. The narrative also features strong BIPOC female characters in STEM roles and challenges mental health stereotypes, portraying Geetha’s mother as a loving, capable individual living with depression.
Venkatraman’s professional background as an oceanographer heavily influences her storytelling. Born in India, she immigrated to the United States for higher education, earning a doctorate in oceanography and serving as chief scientist aboard research vessels before transitioning to a writing career.
Her earlier works have received numerous accolades, including the Walter Dean Myers Award and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, solidifying her reputation as a storyteller who champions diverse narratives and social issues. With Safe Harbor, Venkatraman combines her expertise in science with her passion for storytelling, inspiring young readers to find hope and take meaningful action for the environment.
Safe Harbor is not just a story of rescue—it is a call to action for compassion, environmental stewardship, and the power of human connection.
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