Fall 2024

Giant Rays of Hope

Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

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
$25.99
979-8-7656-3856-9
$38.99
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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

Awards

  • Green Earth Book Award Longlist, Long-listed, 2025
  • Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices, Winner, 2025
  • CYBILS Award Nominee, Nominated, 2024

Reviews

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“This beautiful book also discusses other dangers to the environment with numerous photographs of both manta rays and people who are ocean heroes. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature

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