Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

Wahoo Cray is missing a thumb. An alligator bit it off in the wildlife sanctuary that is his back yard. And his dad is recovering from a concussion caused by a dead iguana falling on his head. And a reality TV show has asked Wahoo's dad to be the animal wrangler for an episode being filmed in the Florida Everglades. Yes, it's another Carl Hiaasen book that's just perfect for middle schools kids who like adventure and humor. Derek Badger, the totally fake "action hero" from Expedition Survival! wants to wrestle alligators and eat live bats and it's up to Wahoo and his dad to keep disaster from happening as they film the show. But the real danger comes when Wahoo's friend's abusive father shows up in the Everglades with a gun. This will obviously appeal to the same kids who love Hoot, Flush and Scat—which is a good thing. Recommended especially for middle school boys.