Manatee Summer is the compelling and poignant story of saving manatees, boyhood friendship, and family drama.
Manatee Summer by Evan Griffith
Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Middle Grade, Marine Life, Friendship, Multigenerational, Community Activism, Florida
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My Summary:
Manatee Summer is a story of wildlife, family, and friendship. Peter and his best friend, Tommy, work on completing their Discovery Journal, a catalogue of wildlife in their Florida community. One day, they spot an injured manatee in a canal. Suddenly, Peter’s summer becomes intense as he joins the fight to protect Florida manatees, takes care of his ailing grandfather (Alzheimer’s), and faces the dire news that his best friend will be moving soon. Throw in a hurricane!
My Thoughts:
Pace
At first, I worried about the story’s slow pace, but the intensity soon picked up, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. In the end, it’s a compelling and poignant story.
Drama
Between saving manatees, caring for a grandfather with Alzheimer’s, losing a best friend, and enduring a hurricane, drama abounds for Peter (and his mother).
POV
I appreciated the entire story from a middle grader’s point of view. We need more tender stories about caring, thoughtful, and emotional young men. I enjoyed the strong emphasis on friendship, especially boyhood friendships. Peter’s relationships with his grandfather and mother are also poignantly and realistically portrayed from his unique point of view.
Themes
Thoughtful themes include wildlife preservation, community activism, mother/son relationship, grandfather/grandson relationship, family drama, living with Alzheimer’s, boyhood friendships, anxiety/fears, doing the right thing, finding your voice, courage, and risk.
Learning Opportunities
Learning about Alzheimer’s, wildlife preservation in Florida, and a deep dive into manatees provide numerous learning opportunities. I even stopped mid-reading to Google manatees!
Content Consideration: Alzheimer’s, injury to animals (no death)
Recommending Manatee Summer:
Manatee Summer might be an engaging read for middle-grade students interested in wildlife and activism. Alzheimer’s might need to be explained, but most young readers can relate to losing a best friend. I enjoyed reading this as my #MiddleGradeMarch selection.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Meet the Author of Manatee Summer, Evan Griffith
Evan Griffith is the author of the middle-grade novels MANATEE SUMMER and THE STRANGE WONDERS OF ROOTS (both Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections) and the picture book biographies SECRETS OF THE SEA: THE STORY OF JEANNE POWER, REVOLUTIONARY MARINE SCIENTIST and WILD AT HEART: THE STORY OF OLAUS AND MARDY MURIE, DEFENDERS OF NATURE. His books have received multiple starred reviews, appeared on several state award lists for children’s literature, and been recognized as Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, National Science Teachers Association Best Stem Books, and Chicago Public Library’s Best Informational Books for Younger Readers. Evan received his MFA in Writing for Children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts where he now serves as faculty. He lives in Austin, Texas with a mischievous tuxedo cat and several overflowing bookshelves.
QOTD:
Have you seen a manatee in person?
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Sounds like a good MG read, Carol!
It was interesting!