Flush by Carl Hiaasen

I picked up Flush from a local library because I wanted to include it as a text that I was going to use for a project for school. Though it was written for middle school aged students, I had to read it for some ideas on how to incorporate it. I am glad I did, as it was enjoyable and a fun read. 4 out of 5 stars.

Noah's dad has a little problem with anger control. He tried to stop the Coral Queen casino boat's illegal dumping... by sinking the boat.

But his bold protest fizzles. Within days the casino is back in business, and Noah's dad is behind in bars and out of action.

Now Noah is determined to succeed where his father failed. But even though pumping raw sewage into the waters of the Florida Keys is both gross and against the law, it turns out it's near impossible to catch the flusher- especially when he's already bamboozled the prosecutors, the local press, and even the Coast Guard.

But Noah's got a few allies of his own. There's his little sister, Abbey, an unreformed childhood biter; Lice Peeking, a half-soused ex-mate of the Coral Queen whi is willing to testify...for a price; and Shelly, a bighearted bartender with even bigger biceps.

Okay, so the odds aren't good. But Noah has an ace up his sleeve- a plan so crazy it just might stop the polluting, save the beaches, and prove to be the world that it's the owner of the Coral Queen, and not his dad, who is full of ...crud.

I really enjoyed this book. Carl Hiaasen is a favorite of mine, and I am even listening to his newest adult book, Nature Girl, on CD. I really like his audiobooks, as the readers are really good. Though this book is for adolescents, and it is really good for them, it was enjoyable for adult readers. There was a part of the story where I was held in suspense for Noah and his sister, and I rarely find that in other books I read. I also love the way Hiaasen writes about Florida, which has me imaging and believing that I am there. I would love to move to Florida so that is another plus. I recommend this to any and all who like humor, a little suspense, and care anything about the environment. I have so many ways I am planning on using it in my unit on the environment. Great reading!