Giant Rays of Hope
Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea
Off the coast of Perú, gentle giants swim beneath the waves. Thanks to the work of Kerstin Forsberg, giant manta rays have become a symbol of hope for ocean conservation in the region. Mantas are a flagship species, and when they’re protected, the whole ocean ecosystem benefits.
Kerstin, who founded the organization Planeta Océano, has taken a new approach to ocean conservation. Previous conservation projects were often led by scientists from other places who didn’t work with the local people. When Kerstin decided to help manta rays, she sought the opinions of local fishers and educated them about the dangers of overfishing, bycatch, and poaching—things that affect both manta rays and fishers. She also involved local schools and teachers.
With the help of teachers, students, and fishers, Kerstin launched a project to identify and track manta rays and protect them, making the ocean a better place for all creatures. Dive in with author Patricia Newman and explore how taking care of the ocean can benefit everyone!
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
979-8-7656-0799-2
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$25.99 | |
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979-8-7656-3856-9
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$38.99 |
| Interest Level | Grade 4 - Grade 8 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 5 |
| Genre | Science |
| Category | 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Animals, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning, STEM, STEM: Earth Science, STEM: Life Science/Animals, STEM: Technology |
| Copyright | 2025 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Millbrook Press ™ |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 56 |
| Publication Date | 2024-10-01 |
| Text Type | Narrative Nonfiction |
|---|---|
| BISACS | JNF037020, JNF003150, JNF038050 |
| Dewey | 597.3/5 |
| Dimensions | 10.625 x 8.875 |
| Guided Reading Level | W |
| Features | Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Glossary, Index, Maps, Page Plus™, Photo captions, Primary source quotations/images, Reviewed, Sidebars, Source notes, Table of contents, Teaching Guides, Timeline, and eSource |
Author: Patricia Newman
Patricia Newman wants us all to know we are part of nature. As a Robert F. Sibert Honor recipient, she shows us how our actions ripple around the world, empowers us to find our own connections to nature, and encourages us to use our imaginations to act on behalf of our communities. Her nonfiction titles have received multiple starred reviews, Orbis Pictus Recommended Awards (NCTE), Green Earth Book Awards, and several Eureka! Awards. She is based in California.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
Giant Rays of Hope
Off the coast of Perú, gentle giants swim beneath the waves. Thanks to the work of Kerstin Forsberg, giant manta rays have become a symbol of hope for ocean conservation in the region. Mantas are a flagship species, and when they’re protected, the whole ocean ecosystem benefits.… View available downloads →
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Awards
- CYBILS Award Nominee
Reviews
School Library Journal
“A fascinating and important tale of one scientist’s dedication to ocean conservation and community that will inspire many to follow in her footsteps.”—School Library Journal
Kirkus Reviews
“Newman ably explains the concept of flagship species—animals that “grab people’s attention and make them care about protecting the environment.” Her feel-good account includes photos and quotations from local fishers and young people, as well as plenty of information about the rays themselves. Good news about a marine marvel."—Kirkus Reviews