In Hippie Chick, Professor of English Joseph Monninger introduces readers to Lolly Emmerson, an independent 15-year-old who sets out for an ill-fated evening sail. When her boat hits an underwater wreckage, she’s thrown overboard with only her life vest for support. After hours of struggling in the water, Lolly encounters her unlikely rescuers: three manatees, one of which she clings to as they make their way to safety.

Monninger focuses on the mysterious, sensitive side of nature and the aftereffects of Lolly’s emotional, life-changing experience in this story aimed at young adults.

Editor’s note: Hippie Chick was recently chosen as one of 2008’s most distinguished books by the Center for Children’s Books’ Bulletin, published monthly by the Johns Hopkins University Press.