Thank you Netgalley and Harper Kids for the gifted book I read along with the library audio!
written by: Evan Griffith
narrated by: Mark Turetsky rating: really liked
Peter has a goal with his best friend Tommy, they are going to complete their Discovery Journal before middle school begins. Their Discovery Journal is their catalog of wildlife in their Florida town, and they want to finish at number 100. When they spot an injured manatee in their canal, they now have a mission to protect it. Peter takes on the fight to protect Florida manatees while also shouldering the responsibility of taking care of his grandfather who has dementia. Then there is an unwelcome surprise that disrupts his formerly strong friendship with Tommy. Now this summer is nothing like he imagined and he feels quite out of control.
I liked how this book dealt with the realities of divorced parents, ailing grandparents, and the natural seasons of friendship. Peter learns how to go from an animal lover to an animal activist through his dedication to the manatee, but that also influences him being more of an activist in his own life and facing the complicated feelings he has about his family situation. I loved the multiple layers of friendship depicted throughout this story, and how this story also explores the theme of everyone having a backstory.
Content Warning: The grandfather in this book has dementia and that is a big part of the story.
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