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Mantee
Discover the captivating world of Mantee with this beautifully designed eBook.
Mantee takes readers on an unforgettable journey down the East Coast, from the hard streets of NYC to the warm waters of Florida. It's a deeply moving story of friendship between a teenager and a manatee - packed with action, heart, and wonder.
Stylish and Fun to Told in a unique voice full of clever wordplay, Mantee immerses you in a magical world that's inspired by the beauty of nature.
Perfect for fans of heartfelt adventures and uplifting stories, this book will leave you feeling motivated and happy.
Mantee takes readers on an unforgettable journey down the East Coast, from the hard streets of NYC to the warm waters of Florida. It's a deeply moving story of friendship between a teenager and a manatee - packed with action, heart, and wonder.
Stylish and Fun to Told in a unique voice full of clever wordplay, Mantee immerses you in a magical world that's inspired by the beauty of nature.
Perfect for fans of heartfelt adventures and uplifting stories, this book will leave you feeling motivated and happy.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2024
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 12, 2025
Adorable adventure to get Mantee to safety! When a manatee is found in the soon to be chilly waters of NY, CC must get Mantee to safety. The journey is long and full of fun, but it’s tough all the same. Loved this quick little story so much!!
June 4, 2025
A Vivid Adventure for Teens
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription that I share with my girlfriend, and I read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
Here we have a short and very quick-to-read, lovely story about how a guy finds a manatee in the NY river and, after making friends with it, decides to help the animal go back to its usual waters in Florida (or Flurda, as the author calls it in the book). The trip from NY to Florida is far from easy and is full of dangers and occurrences for the pair—gangsters, storms, shipwrecks—you have almost everything.
A lovely story for the little ones in the house. I would say the target audience is seven to ten years old, ready to embark on a vivid adventure and get to know a manatee, which is a great and unusual animal.
I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription that I share with my girlfriend, and I read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.
Here we have a short and very quick-to-read, lovely story about how a guy finds a manatee in the NY river and, after making friends with it, decides to help the animal go back to its usual waters in Florida (or Flurda, as the author calls it in the book). The trip from NY to Florida is far from easy and is full of dangers and occurrences for the pair—gangsters, storms, shipwrecks—you have almost everything.
A lovely story for the little ones in the house. I would say the target audience is seven to ten years old, ready to embark on a vivid adventure and get to know a manatee, which is a great and unusual animal.
May 25, 2025
Mantee is a heartwarming tale of friendship.
A boy meets a manatee in New York’s waterways and they form a strong bond. He has to surpass run-ins with a dangerous gang and travel all the way to “Flurda” avoiding larger ships and sharks (or “zarks”) to make sure his new friend stays warm and healthy. Mantee is a humorous tale of friendship, bravery and determination with plenty of edge of the seat action and adventure.
A boy meets a manatee in New York’s waterways and they form a strong bond. He has to surpass run-ins with a dangerous gang and travel all the way to “Flurda” avoiding larger ships and sharks (or “zarks”) to make sure his new friend stays warm and healthy. Mantee is a humorous tale of friendship, bravery and determination with plenty of edge of the seat action and adventure.
April 5, 2025
This story is a hoot!
It is hard to know where to begin. The Manatee, who chuffed her friendliness at our narrator right off the bat, is probably the place. I fell in love with her pudgy grey face right at that first ‘chuff,’ too. But perhaps I am getting ahead of myself.
First off, the discerning reader notices some misspellings, like ‘mantee’ and Flurda. There are some odd abbreviations, too. Yet, these aren’t mistakes…they are our first tip about the narrator. He’s a bit short on education but is completely full and overwhelmingly enthusiastic. He’s enthusiastic about life, about friends, about great places to live, but most of all, about Mantee.
We readers encounter their friendship as our narrator realizes there are some local dangers to Mantee. He’s got to get her to a safer place, maybe even to far away Florida. No one could predict their journey south, and the hardships, but also friendships they encounter. Every moment is exciting or hopeful or dangerous. Author CC Woods somehow manages to tell us something about our own dreams through the wild efforts of the narrator here.
I can’t say enough about Mantee. It’s funny and quirky and it’s very difficult to say it’s great for a specific type of reader or age group. I think if you would just like to be swept off into an engaging adventure regardless of your age, give it a try.
I give Mantee 5 stars (and a best book rating) and would give more if the scale went higher.
It is hard to know where to begin. The Manatee, who chuffed her friendliness at our narrator right off the bat, is probably the place. I fell in love with her pudgy grey face right at that first ‘chuff,’ too. But perhaps I am getting ahead of myself.
First off, the discerning reader notices some misspellings, like ‘mantee’ and Flurda. There are some odd abbreviations, too. Yet, these aren’t mistakes…they are our first tip about the narrator. He’s a bit short on education but is completely full and overwhelmingly enthusiastic. He’s enthusiastic about life, about friends, about great places to live, but most of all, about Mantee.
We readers encounter their friendship as our narrator realizes there are some local dangers to Mantee. He’s got to get her to a safer place, maybe even to far away Florida. No one could predict their journey south, and the hardships, but also friendships they encounter. Every moment is exciting or hopeful or dangerous. Author CC Woods somehow manages to tell us something about our own dreams through the wild efforts of the narrator here.
I can’t say enough about Mantee. It’s funny and quirky and it’s very difficult to say it’s great for a specific type of reader or age group. I think if you would just like to be swept off into an engaging adventure regardless of your age, give it a try.
I give Mantee 5 stars (and a best book rating) and would give more if the scale went higher.
October 22, 2024
'Mantee’ is a short adventure story about a teenager, CC Woods, who is from New York City and likes to use his inflatable raft to fish and explore the Hudson River near his Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood. Once, while exploring a nearby power plant he came across a Manatee in a small pool where the plant’s discharge warmed the river. CC spent many hours and days visiting the sea mammal he called Mantee, and they became close friends. Yet when some local young delinquents found the pool and started abusing Mantee, CC knew he had to recuse the Manatee and take her south to the warm waters of Florida. The story follows the adventures CC and Mantee experience while traveling from Manhattan to Atlantic City, through Chesapeake Bay and the Intercoastal Waterways to Mantee’s new home in Banana Lagoon, Florida. This is a delightful, sweet story about the hardships and rewards that can occur when helping a friend and embarking on a long treacherous journey. The prose is beautifully written and the flawlessly edited, and there are enough twists and turns to keep readers of all ages interested. The book is likely targeted to adolescent readers but could be read to younger kids and enjoyed by their parents. A touching story about a boy and his marine mammal friend is highly recommended for those looking for a clean adventure story with feeling.
January 11, 2025
A delightful book with a beguiling picaresque teenage protagonist.
CC befriends a manatee which has somehow ended up in New York’s Harlem River, way out of her winter water-temperature comfort zone. CC is used to paddling about in his inflatable boat in and around an abandoned dock and, after encountering some lowlife gangsters (CC’s colourful terms) intent on harming him and catching the manatee, decides to leave New York and escort his new aquatic friend, which he’s named Mantee, down the East Coast to Florida (or rather Flurda, in CC’s parlance, of which we meet many further imaginative examples).
This book tells the story, from CC’s perspective and in his inimitable vibrant voice, of their journey. The marine trip is not easy but CC — part Huckleberry Finn, part Robinson Crusoe — is determined and resourceful, and faces various dangers with courage, grace and optimism as his bond with Mantee grows. It’s hard to say more about this short book without risking spoilers, but for any middle grade, tween or teen readers — or indeed their parents! — I heartily recommend this original and entrancing adventure story.
CC befriends a manatee which has somehow ended up in New York’s Harlem River, way out of her winter water-temperature comfort zone. CC is used to paddling about in his inflatable boat in and around an abandoned dock and, after encountering some lowlife gangsters (CC’s colourful terms) intent on harming him and catching the manatee, decides to leave New York and escort his new aquatic friend, which he’s named Mantee, down the East Coast to Florida (or rather Flurda, in CC’s parlance, of which we meet many further imaginative examples).
This book tells the story, from CC’s perspective and in his inimitable vibrant voice, of their journey. The marine trip is not easy but CC — part Huckleberry Finn, part Robinson Crusoe — is determined and resourceful, and faces various dangers with courage, grace and optimism as his bond with Mantee grows. It’s hard to say more about this short book without risking spoilers, but for any middle grade, tween or teen readers — or indeed their parents! — I heartily recommend this original and entrancing adventure story.
December 24, 2024
CC Woods' "Mantee" is a delightful adventure that charmed me from beginning to end. While some reviewers noted its brevity (feeling more like an extended short story than a full novel), I found its concise narrative perfectly suited its heartwarming theme. The story's magic lies in its simple yet enchanting premise: a boy and his manatee companion navigating unexpected adventures. The vivid portrayal of Inwood, NYC, infused with a touch of whimsical realism, instantly captivated me; Woods clearly brings a personal connection to the setting. The journey to Atla (while the full destination remains a delightful mystery till the end) felt as exciting as it was heartwarming. While aimed at middle-grade readers, the book's feel-good nature transcends age; adults looking for a quick and uplifting read will also find themselves completely won over. Though short, the story is cleverly written and highly entertaining, easily earning a place among the best books I’ve read this year. I wholeheartedly recommend “Mantee” for its charm, effortless pace, and message of friendship and resilience. It's the perfect escape for a cozy afternoon.
October 11, 2024
Mantee by CC Woods is easy to like. I’ve lived in the Inwood section of NYC (the initial setting of the story), and I’ve never dreamt it could be as magical as it is in this book.
It’s the story of a man and his manatee friend, Mantee. Forced out of the city by street toughs, the duo end up in Atlantic City, where our narrator washes dishes and sleeps on the beach. Since the weather wouldn’t be forever hospitable, the duo then winds their way down to Florida – with all the boats and other water-based creatures serving as obstacles. We care for our heroes, and want them to get to the warm waters of Florida, so we’re rooting for them the entire time.
The story shows how simple and rewarding life can be: working hard for essentials; accepting help when necessary; and the power of friendship. I would read another story by this author. Hopefully, with such attractive cover art, this will get a lot of readers and the author will continue to churn out great product.
It’s the story of a man and his manatee friend, Mantee. Forced out of the city by street toughs, the duo end up in Atlantic City, where our narrator washes dishes and sleeps on the beach. Since the weather wouldn’t be forever hospitable, the duo then winds their way down to Florida – with all the boats and other water-based creatures serving as obstacles. We care for our heroes, and want them to get to the warm waters of Florida, so we’re rooting for them the entire time.
The story shows how simple and rewarding life can be: working hard for essentials; accepting help when necessary; and the power of friendship. I would read another story by this author. Hopefully, with such attractive cover art, this will get a lot of readers and the author will continue to churn out great product.
January 28, 2025
“Mantee” by CC Woods is a charming novelette designed to warm any reader’s heart while providing high entertainment and laughs. At the core of the story is an inter-species relationship between a boy and a manatee, and their haphazard journey from New York City to Florida, having adventures along the way.
Beyond improbable, yes, but we can immediately suspend disbelief and go on this well written, feel-good journey with the duo. While aimed at middle-grade readers, the story shines for any age group and is worth an hour for all the innocent, pure enjoyment doled out.
While delivering a generous share of twists and adventures, the story also is held together by important themes of friendship and resilience, and the boy’s unexpected wisdom touches a vein deep inside us all.
I recommend you buy this novelette for your middle schooler . . . and then read it yourself, too, after he/she goes to sleep.
Beyond improbable, yes, but we can immediately suspend disbelief and go on this well written, feel-good journey with the duo. While aimed at middle-grade readers, the story shines for any age group and is worth an hour for all the innocent, pure enjoyment doled out.
While delivering a generous share of twists and adventures, the story also is held together by important themes of friendship and resilience, and the boy’s unexpected wisdom touches a vein deep inside us all.
I recommend you buy this novelette for your middle schooler . . . and then read it yourself, too, after he/she goes to sleep.
March 2, 2025
The first part of this book introduces us to the main character and narrator of the story. The MC is a child living in NYC. You quickly come to sense that this is a poor child, but a child who loves the city and exploring. We are then introduced to the manatee. There is some pretty good foreshadowing here to keep the reader interested. I did feel like things were rushed a bit, though. Instead of having scene after scene of the child meeting the beast, the narrator does an introductory scene, then starts to move in broader strokes. After this, the storyline and the writing take a turn for the better. We’re introduced to the Death Cult who are bullies ready to make trouble for the MC and the MC’s manatee friend. The rest of the book is entertaining. Overall, the story was fairly well written. I think it’s the type of story tweens will likely enjoy and maybe some young adults or advanced early readers. I recommend it for those age groups.
April 13, 2025
I really tried to like this. I really did. I bought it because I love manatees. While I love the relationship between CC and Mantee, and his willingness to help her and the way he seen nature period, it was so hard to read. 71 quick pages, but so hard to really enjoy. I didn't even realize the main character was a boy til I looked at other reviews and looked closer at the cover. The way he changed words? He's a teenager from NYC, why is his twang worse than a southern hick? It was also really unrealistic. He crashes outside of NYC and wakes up on a beach in Atlantic City? Nah, he'd drown. Especially after previously being beaten. None of it made sense 🤷🏻♀️ I'd write it off as kids story logic, but he's a teenager and it just really didn't come out clear and coherent. Also didn't expect the slight religious feel to it, but that's just a "not my style" kinda thing. Sadly this just wasnt for me 😕
April 24, 2025
Mantee by CC Woods is a heartwarming and original adventure that blends environmental awareness with a touching story of friendship. Aimed at a young adult audience, the novel follows teenager CC, who stumbles upon an unlikely companion—a gentle manatee stranded in the harsh, unnatural setting of Manhattan. Naming the creature Mantee, CC makes the brave decision to help it find its way home, launching a perilous journey down the East Coast in a small boat, bound for the warm waters of Florida.
Told in a distinctive first-person voice, CC’s narration is quirky, earnest, and endearing—reminiscent of a young Forrest Gump. The writing style is stylized and immersive, drawing the reader into a world where nature, loyalty, and courage take center stage. Mantee is more than just an adventure; it’s an uplifting tale that inspires hope, highlights the importance of protecting wildlife, and celebrates the transformative power of friendship.
Told in a distinctive first-person voice, CC’s narration is quirky, earnest, and endearing—reminiscent of a young Forrest Gump. The writing style is stylized and immersive, drawing the reader into a world where nature, loyalty, and courage take center stage. Mantee is more than just an adventure; it’s an uplifting tale that inspires hope, highlights the importance of protecting wildlife, and celebrates the transformative power of friendship.
November 12, 2024
No, not Mantee. No Mantees were harmed in the production or reading of this book.
But the book was highly entertaining. One of the better books I’ve read this year and I read and review a lot of books.
It is a bit on the short side. Maybe more short story than full length novel. But well worth a read and delightful however it is rightly classified.
It is the story of a young man in New York City going on an adventure to Florida. There is a Tom Sawyer kind of feel to the book, but saying much more about the plot or characters would give away the story.
Worth noting that there is great danger to be found in these adventures, and in almost every chapter. The author kept me uncomfortable with how the story might turn out right to its end.
Is it a happy tale? Or a tragedy? You will have to read it to find out….and you should.
But the book was highly entertaining. One of the better books I’ve read this year and I read and review a lot of books.
It is a bit on the short side. Maybe more short story than full length novel. But well worth a read and delightful however it is rightly classified.
It is the story of a young man in New York City going on an adventure to Florida. There is a Tom Sawyer kind of feel to the book, but saying much more about the plot or characters would give away the story.
Worth noting that there is great danger to be found in these adventures, and in almost every chapter. The author kept me uncomfortable with how the story might turn out right to its end.
Is it a happy tale? Or a tragedy? You will have to read it to find out….and you should.
November 26, 2024
This is a fun and heartwarming story for middle grade readers about a boy named CC and his big adventure to help a manatee named Mantee find a new home.
The story begins in New York City, where CC lives by the Harlem River and spends his days exploring in his little inflatable boat. When he meets Mantee, everything changes. Together, they set off on an incredible trip down the East Coast to bring Mantee to the warm waters of Florida.
The story is full of exciting moments, funny encounters, and challenges. Along the way, they meet all kinds of people and have adventures that keep you turning the pages. It’s like Huckleberry Finn with a modern twist—swapping the Mississippi River for the East Coast and a raft for an inflatable boat.
This is a great book for kids who love animals, exploring, and stories about friendship and helping others.
The story begins in New York City, where CC lives by the Harlem River and spends his days exploring in his little inflatable boat. When he meets Mantee, everything changes. Together, they set off on an incredible trip down the East Coast to bring Mantee to the warm waters of Florida.
The story is full of exciting moments, funny encounters, and challenges. Along the way, they meet all kinds of people and have adventures that keep you turning the pages. It’s like Huckleberry Finn with a modern twist—swapping the Mississippi River for the East Coast and a raft for an inflatable boat.
This is a great book for kids who love animals, exploring, and stories about friendship and helping others.
February 16, 2025
This is a great little story. At first I thought the author had misspelled Manatee for the title, but I soon realized it was part of the jargon. The story is written in first person perspective which can be distracting, but in this story, it works. The main character’s jargon is kept consistent all the way through which sells you on the perspective. The story is about a person who makes friends with a manatee and then decides to take him to safety further south, a kind of Huck Finn on the Atlantic Ocean. There were times when my skeptical nature got the better of me and I did a mental grimace at parts that didn’t jive with my logical mind, but the story is fun enough that I ignored those stretches and kept going. The main character is engaging and the way it’s written has you in his corner and hoping he’ll make it.
March 19, 2025
Fun and adventurous
I absolutely adored Mantee! The writing and style were captivating, and by the end, it left me with such a positive feeling. The story follows CC, a free-spirited teenager, as she journeys down the East Coast from New York City to Florida, determined to help her beloved manatee, Mantee, find his way back to safety. The book is filled with wonderful ideas, and I especially loved the meaningful quotes: "Never grow up, grow down" and "Happiness comes from being wild and free." These sentiments really resonated with me and added an extra layer of depth to the story.
I absolutely adored Mantee! The writing and style were captivating, and by the end, it left me with such a positive feeling. The story follows CC, a free-spirited teenager, as she journeys down the East Coast from New York City to Florida, determined to help her beloved manatee, Mantee, find his way back to safety. The book is filled with wonderful ideas, and I especially loved the meaningful quotes: "Never grow up, grow down" and "Happiness comes from being wild and free." These sentiments really resonated with me and added an extra layer of depth to the story.
May 18, 2025
C.C. Woods' Mantee is a book about the wonderfully unique friendship between a boy and a manatee. Together they journey from NYC to Florida and despite it being a short book, it is still filled with lessons. While this would be the perfect book for middle-grade readers, I feel like a reader of any age would definitely enjoy this story. Its short, its simple, but also tackles important themes such as friendship and resilience. Definitely a must-read!
December 18, 2024
This short book is a feast for your soul. The story of CC and Mantee as they meet, become friends, and set off on an adventure from the gritty streets of NYC to the Banana Lagoon in Florida. Beautiful, heart-warming and filled with snippets of short interludes in the places they travel, this is sure to give you a taste of adventurous fun and hope for the kindness inherent in people. Lovely story.
March 7, 2025
Mantee by CC Woods is a short and impactful read. The main character CC finds a manatee in the waters of NYC. They become friends and CC starts on a quest to get Mantee to Florida safely. They have some fun and harrowing adventures along the way. The book is a little ray of sunshine and comfort.
November 18, 2024
The cutest book I have ever read! I loved reading their adventure, this was such a feel good book. I will be rereading & rereading this one
December 18, 2024
A book about a boy and a Mantee in New York and his getting the Mantee back to Florida.
November 19, 2024
One of the best children's adventure books I've read this year. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews