Smooth Sailing and Safe Harbor in 2025…
One of the “five most requested novels at NCTE 2024” will be released on January 21st, 2025 and can be ordered at: https://buff.ly/3XLA0eK
According to a *Starred review from School Library Journal: “Venkatraman’s latest novel beautifully captures the theme of finding love by letting go. Gheeta, a young girl from Tamil Nadu, India, relocates to America with her mother after her parents’ divorce… Gheeta struggles with sadness and adjustment in her new environment, where she faces bullies and cultural challenges. However, her life begins to change when Miguel, a boy her age, and Santo, a harp seal pup in need of rescue, enter her world... Written in verse, this novel offers a poignant exploration of emotional resilience and the bittersweet nature of change. It will particularly resonate with readers who value themes of personal growth, cultural adjustment, and the power of compassion. Additionally, environmental advocates will find the subplot of rescuing Santo and the broader message of climate awareness engaging and relevant, which is a perfect fit for middle school library collections. The novel is a must-read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling with emotional depth.”
Early Praise includes these wonderful affirmations from Margarita Engle and Kathryn Erskine:
"SAFE HARBOR is an exquisite verse novel by one of my favorite poets. I fell in love with each heartfelt page. The perfect blend of personal and STEM themes is truly amazing."
- Margarita Engle, Newbery Honor winning author of The Surrender Tree & YPP Poet Laureate Emeritus
"You do not read this book so much as experience it through images and feelings, curling up in its safe harbor and watching humans and animals face challenges, yet flourish, thanks to their tenacity, understanding and love. SAFE HARBOR is like entering a dear friend’s kitchen and sharing nourishing food…you’ll breathe in sweet mango and salt air, soak up the sounds of bamboo flute and harp seal, and, after a shiver of ocean spray, embrace the warmth of friendship and hope."
- Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award winning author
Hope you’ll enter this Safe Harbor - and perhaps attend one of the many public launch events and celebrations for the book:
Thursday 23rd January, Politics and Prose, Washington DC
Saturday 25th January, An Unlikely Story, MA
Sunday 26 January, Books on the Square, RI
Sunday 2 February, SCBWI conference, NY
Monday 3 February, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Friday 28 February, North Texas Book Festival, TX
Friday 14 March, Toadstool Books, NH
Saturday 26 April, Wakefield Books, RI
Sunday 27 April, Blue Bunny Books, MA
Saturday 3 May, Hudson Book Festival, NY
Padma Venkatraman has added a brand new fun and interactive presentation for elementary school children to her author event repertoire. To book a visit, contact her speaking agency, The Author Village: https://theauthorvillage.com/presenters/padma-venkatraman/
Wishing you smooth sailing and many a safe harbor in 2025!
