A baseball player named Ronnie Masters was speeding on his boat.When Gretchen scolds her, Brenna thinks, “ You idiot! What did you think she was going to do-pat you on the back?” Brenna dives into the ocean to help a trapped manatee.The rescue center has an injured sandhill crane that was “run over by a drunk driver.”.The rescue center has an injured manatee that “had some jerk’s initials carved into its back with a knife.”.Gretchen and the group go to help the animal and see “horrible gashes that have opened up the skin on the manatee’s back-seven deep, straight lines, four of them curving around her side.” The animal is given pain killers and antibiotics. The short chapters, interesting plot, and relatable characters make Manatee Blues a book that will appeal to readers of different ages. The happy ending is slightly unrealistic however, the conclusion shows that one person can make a difference. However, the story is educational, interesting and will keep the reader’s interest. The end of the book has more facts about manatees as well as information about how readers can adopt a manatee.Īt 119 pages, the plot is not well developed.

Gretchen says feeding wild animals is “being selfish, thinking about what we want, not what’s best for them.” Readers will learn about the dangers that manatees face as well as other interesting information about the animals. Manatee Blues blends action, internal conflict, and information about manatees into an interesting story that highlights the importance of keeping animals wild. Readers will relate to Brenna, who wants to make an impact but isn’t sure what she can do to help. However, Brenna doesn’t always think before she acts, which gets her into trouble. Told from Brenna’s point of view, the story focuses on her desire to help injured manatees. Brenna’s personality and passion for manatees is inspiring. While at the center, Brenna and her friends help with a fundraiser, but will the center get enough funds to stay in business? Can Brenna find a way to help the animals?Īnyone who has ever dreamed of being a marine biologist will enjoy Manatee Blues. Brenna is immediately drawn to the endangered, gentle giants, and wants to do whatever she can to help them and the center.īrenna is passionate about helping manatees, but her impulsive actions put both Brenna and the manatees in danger. Because running the rescue center is expensive, the center is in danger of closing. Mac fly to Florida to visit a manatee rescue center.

Manatee blues laurie halse anderson