About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts questioning long-standing family or cultural traditions, or when they experience a sudden, overwhelming surge of empathy for a creature that others might view as a resource. It is a powerful tool for navigating the 'age of conscience' when a child begins to form their own moral compass, separate from their parents. Set in the Amazon, the story follows Manuela, whose father hunts manatees for survival. When a hunt leaves a calf orphaned, Manuela finds her heart transformed and chooses to protect the animal she was taught to see as prey. This chapter book is ideal for ages 8 to 12, offering a high-stakes adventure that explores the difficult tension between environmental conservation and traditional ways of life. It provides a roadmap for how a child can stand up for what they believe is right while still maintaining love for their family.
