Saving the Manatee

Great Animal Comebacks

by Karen Latchana Kenney

In this book, early fluent readers will learn how the manatee came back from the brink of extinction and serves as an important species in its environment. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the animal’s habitat, diet, behaviors, and current status, as well as how conservation efforts helped these sea cows make a comeback.

A Take a Look! infographic aids understanding, sidebars present interesting, supplementary information, and an activity offers readers an opportunity to extend discovery. Children can learn more about the manatee using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Saving the Manatee also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.

Saving the Manatee is part of Jump!’s Great Animal Comebacks series.

24 pages, Library Binding

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

Karen Latchana Kenney is an Indian-Irish children’s author, born near the equator in Guyana, and raised far north in Minnesota. Her debut picture book SNOW STEPS launched in November 2024 and was a 2025 Minnesota Book Awards Finalist and a 2025 Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Award Finalist.

She writes both fiction and nonfiction stories about immigrant and biracial experiences, scientific discoveries, momentous historical events, and civil rights struggles. Her newest YA nonfiction book, FASCINATING FUNGI, launches in October 2025 from Lerner Publishing. Kirkus gave it a starred review, saying it is "An extraordinarily well-researched, well-presented, and visually appealing book on a fascinating subject."

Her other children's books have received several starred reviews and have been named a 2023 Mathical Book Prize Honor, and a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers.

She lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her family, where they explore all the wild places they can find.