Hippie Chick by Joseph Monninger

I met Joseph Monninger at a conference a couple of years ago. He was awaiting the publication of his first YA novel and he gave me an advance copy. I loved it. And I was glad that he had decided to start writing for YAs as he had interesting stories to tell. And now he has published his second YA novel. HIPPIE CHICK took me by surprise since the title had me thinking that it was probably a novel taking place in the 1960s. It's not. But it does feature manatees which I love. It is a story of survival against the odds. And it is another great novel for teens. Joe, keep writing so we can keep enjoying the ride.

Monninger, Joseph.
HIPPIE CHICK
Asheville, NC : Front Street, 2008
IL YA
ISBN 1590785983
Lolly loves sailing and decides to head out on a late afternoon sail all on her own. She leaves a note for her mother sets out for a peaceful sail. It is as wonderful as she had hoped until the accident happens. The boat capsizes and Lolly is injured and in the water alone with no one to help her. She tries not to panic but as time goes by, she worries that she might not make it out of this situation. She can't get on the boat so must stay in the water as the sun goes down. And now there is a bump against her leg! Is it a shark? Will it hurt much when it clamps down on her leg? It turns out that it is a manatee that is pushing her. Will it save her? Is it even aware of her?

Podcast: http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/monninger_hippie.mp3