Part Huckleberry Finn, part Pied Piper, this genuine, modern-day folk hero began his passionate journey while still in high school, when he first saw the trash that littered the bottom of his beloved river. Thus began his quest, from the bottom up, to seek help to clean up the Mississippi river. Ten years later, Chad Pregracke's one-man project has grown into a nationwide operation with more than 60 sponsors.

Chad's story has been told on NBC Nightly News, on the Today Show, on CNN (CNN's Tim Wall writes the introduction to the book), in 336 newspapers and 52 magazines. His dedication inspires everyone in his path and his personal triumph as an advocate for America's rivers is strong motivation for donors and doers alike.

This moving, first-person chronicle of Chad's own life along the Mississippi features colorful characters, a near-death experience, flying carp, and other flourishes worthy of a modern Mark Twain. Readers will find it hard to put down.