Chomp

Reading more realistic fiction today... Chomp by Carl Hiaasen, an author known for writing young adult novels with environmental themes.  I was pleasantly surprised with Scat, one of his previous novels, and so didn't question when my peers suggested we take a look at one of his newest, which takes place in the Florida Everglades.  Basically, this book is about Wahoo, a teenage boy whose father runs a wildlife refuge.  When a reality star comes to town and mysteriously disappears into the wild, it's up to Wahoo and his friend, Tuna, to find him.  Of course, the wildlife, namely the alligators, take center stage just as they do in all Hiaasen fiction... endangered ground-nesting owls (Hoot), raw sewage-endangered water creatures (Flush), habitat-endangered panthers (Scat).  The author's opinion is quite clear throughout his books...land development is a serious issue.  I'm sure you'll easily pick up on the environmental themes prevalent in this book and enjoy the friendship between Wahoo and Tuna as well.  Tuna is a likeable character.  She pulls at your heartstrings.  And Wahoo is definitely the brave protagonist.  Taking on reality tv is perhaps as important as the environmental challenges he faces!  LOL  

Hope you enjoy this book as much as I am.  Currently about halfway through and excited to share with my students.  They love the Hiaasen covers.  Very attractive.  It's the stories they're always so surprised with...who knew they could love a novel with environmental themes?!  Who knew??

Happy (Responsible) Reading!
RC