The Return of the Manatee

Gr 4–6—Each title traces population decline and eventual recovery of an animal threatened with extinction. Animal habitats, characteristics, and behaviors are well described, with good support from mostly half-page photos. History and causes of population decline follow, with enough dates and statistics to provide a fairly clear picture. Readers learn about the impacts of humans and habitat loss along with the positive effects each creature has on its ecosystem. Details of recovery efforts trace the roles of government and nonprofit programs, as well as continued challenges to species survival. Some individuals, such as Dian Fossey and Rachel Carson, are briefly noted. The combination of history, science, and social issues provides a well-rounded picture of the challenges of species preservation, though the extent of the recovery is not always fully clear. For instance, the gray wolf population number in Yellowstone is given, but there is no indication of endangered status.