CHOMP by Carl Hiaasen (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012) Reading level: 5.2.
As most readers familiar with Hiaasen's fiction (for both kids and adults) know well, the topic of his novels typically revolves around the state of Florida, and outsiders who grossly underestimate it's wild side. Readers expecting a comical man-vs-nature story won't be disappointed.
Our hero is teenager Wahoo Cray, who lives with his dad - a professional animal wrangler for movies and TV - and the assortment of animals who provide the family's income. Times are tough for the Crays, so when reckless reality TV star Derek Badger comes to town to do a show on the Everglades, the Crays reluctantly agree to provide the "wild" animals and the wrangling service.
A host of characters - ranging from eccentric to downright looney - completes the cast. Lots of absurd humor will make this book popular with middle grade readers, especially those who can already identify with the unpredictable nature of wild environments. As a Florida native myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
As most readers familiar with Hiaasen's fiction (for both kids and adults) know well, the topic of his novels typically revolves around the state of Florida, and outsiders who grossly underestimate it's wild side. Readers expecting a comical man-vs-nature story won't be disappointed.
Our hero is teenager Wahoo Cray, who lives with his dad - a professional animal wrangler for movies and TV - and the assortment of animals who provide the family's income. Times are tough for the Crays, so when reckless reality TV star Derek Badger comes to town to do a show on the Everglades, the Crays reluctantly agree to provide the "wild" animals and the wrangling service.
A host of characters - ranging from eccentric to downright looney - completes the cast. Lots of absurd humor will make this book popular with middle grade readers, especially those who can already identify with the unpredictable nature of wild environments. As a Florida native myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
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