Channeling Marilyn - by Mima Tipper (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Lexa Donovan's timid, plus-size life goes sideways when the spirit of Marilyn Monroe takes up residence in her body in this laugh-out-loud funny paranormal YA tale perfect for fans of Lisa Schroeder and Ashley Poston.High school senior Lexa Donovan longs to be more than a bit player in her own drab life--and when she's chosen to be part of her school's spring production of Bus Stop, she thinks her wish has come true. But her thrill turns to panic when she's tapped to play the leading role, sexy showgirl Cherie. One thing tall, plus-size Lexa knows for sure is that she is the exact opposite of the most famous Cherie ever: sex-goddess Marilyn Monroe.

Lexa wants out before she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone. But then something entirely unexpected happens: The spirit of Marilyn Monroe appears--ready and willing to be Lexa's personal acting coach--and talks her out of quitting.

Soon, Lexa's life becomes a screwball comedy, with her bouncing between Marilyn's acting "help," her crush on her gorgeous co-star Brian, and her unexpected attraction to the mysterious Jeremy Leith. Comedy shifts to drama, though, as Lexa's fear of humiliation--fueled by Brian's jealous girlfriend--morphs into full-on stage fright. A fright that grows dangerously intense when Marilyn starts having decidedly un-spiritish feelings that have nothing to do with Lexa or the play.

Before the curtain rises on opening night, Lexa and Marilyn will have to learn to trust their own hearts and act on what each truly needs to move on--in life and in death.

Review Quotes

". . . such a fun read full of humor, the nervous excitement of trying something new, and wonderfully relatable characters."--Log Cabin Library

"High school drama hits a new level with a sweet, humorous delight . . ."--Bookworm for Kids

". . . a fun, sincere young adult novel with an interesting twist."--Stephanie's Book Reviews

"Mima Tipper deftly navigates her characters through angst-filled situations and emotional turmoil with sensitivity and humor . . . This delightful and engaging tale of self-discovery, personal growth, and the disorienting nature of young romance is a delight to read."--K. M. Huber, author of Call of the Owl Woman

"Tipper writes with real flair and empathy. Channeling Marilyn is lush and laugh-out-loud funny and moving. It's a dazzler!"--Tim Wynne-Jones, author of The Maestro

"A playful supernatural coming-of-age tale with an impressive undercurrent of real heart."--Kirkus Reviews

"Original, clever, imaginative, and a deftly crafted blending of paranormal fantasy, coming-of-age, and highschool angst, Channeling Marilyn by Mima Tipper is a fun and memorable read from cover to cover . . ."--Midwest Book Review

"A charming novel, Channeling Marilyn follows a high school student's momentous senior year achievements--garnered with a bit of supernatural help."--Foreword Clarion Reviews

"Channeling Marilyn is both engaging and warmhearted, tackling fear and transformation but also delving into the unexpected ways we find courage--sometimes from the most unlikely sources."--BookLife Reviews

About the Author

Mima Tipper is an award-winning author of children's fiction. She's published YA fiction in several literary magazines, and her debut novel Kat's Greek Summer won the 2025 Vermont Book Award for Children's Literature, as well as winning silver medals for YA fiction in the 2025 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards, and for Best New Voice in the 2025 IBPA Book Awards. Her new novel Channeling Marilyn is a YA paranormal, freshly released on June 2, 2026 in time to celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday. Beyond devoting most of her time to writing and being an author, Mima helps at Inklings Children's Books in Waitsfield, VT, volunteers at her local library, and is committed to promoting literacy and supporting the writing community. Mima lives in Vermont with her family.