Doris Wheelus

The Manatee Girl Doris Wheelus

Mandy Miller, 12, knew little about her Native American culture or what a manatee was until she visited her Cherokee grandmother in Vero Beach, Florida. Her life changed forever after becoming friends with Crosslin, a Seminole Indian, who lived next door to her grandmother. At the canals, Crosslin introduced her to Jill, the Manatee Girl, who taught them to care about the endangered manatees. This is the story of the children's struggle to inform others of the manatees' plight and to help save Marie, an injured manatee and her calf, Tiny Tina. This is a story that will make the children laugh and cry and know that children can make a difference.