Squirm

Yes, there will be some squirming when you read the book, but also guaranteed chuckles. And the face on the cover? A creature that slithers and keeps resurfacing throughout the book in the most unusual ways. But since the author is Carl Hiaasen - know the humor is coming. It starts almost instantly. Billy is a mischievous middle schooler who always looks out for the underdog and finds crazy ways to do it. He hasn’t seen his father in many years and wonders why his dad sends checks every month, but that’s it. No birthday cards, no phone calls. But…Billy’s persistent. So, in between causing bullies to squirm and taking care of his pet snakes, he searches for his dad, partners with a new Native American friend (she’s of the Crow tribe and pretty savvy), deals with spy drones, encounters grizzly bears, and gets into danger as he helps track down a pretty devious poacher of the worst kind. This book is for both boys AND girls who want laughs, suspense, and to protect nature’s endangered animals. Upper elementary and middle schoolers will like this book and probably won’t want to put it down.

It’s been ages since I’ve read some of Hiaasen’s eco-adventures but reading “Squirm”, it still delivers an engaging read. We follow Florida teen Billy on an outrageous adventure in Montana where his divorced dad now lives and as he’s determined to find out what his secret job is, he’ll get caught in a dangerous situation involving drones, animal poachers and grizzly bears.Another winning story about good guys vs. bad guys that also centers on animals, family and excitement. A few chapters in and it’s a great read that gets more thrilling after every chapter. A whole lotta slithering on. <b>A- (91%/Excellent)</b>

SQUIRM is another great read from Newbery Medal winning author, Carl Hiaasen.This book is not one of his adult offerings. Subjects and characters are geared to upper elementary-aged students and above.Carl Hiaasen’s titles have a wonderful sense of place; quirky, very detailed, likable characters; dysfunctional family (and civic) situations; ecological themes; and tongue-in-cheek comedic circumstances.In SQUIRM, I especially liked the descriptions of Montana; the fly-fishing; river travel and the eagles. I’m afraid that I am still not fond of snakes.I am a huge fan of Carl Hiaasen. I would read table saw ads if he wrote them. His adult books have sent me into wild spasms of laughter. He is an excellent, excellent author.Please check out all his tiles - for adults and kids.

I didn't realize that Hiassen wrote "kids" books when I bought this, but apparently he does. According to Amazon, it's for ages 9+ which is just a reminder that today's kids are way more grown up than I was at that age.Billy is a good kid. A weird kid, but a good one. He is 14 years old. He, his mom and sister move a lot (always in Florida) - his mom has to have an active eagle's nest within 10 miles at all times. He hasn't seen or talked to his dad since he was 4, even though his dad sends his monthly checks on time.One month, Billy retrieves the envelope from the trash, puts the pieces together, "borrows" his mom's credit card and books a trip to Montana to finally get to know his dad.This is an adventure book, a nature book, and a book about family. The dad is a good guy but not so great at being a father. As they go through the Florida swamps in search of a rich jerk who is after his father, they have a lot of excitement. In true Hiassen form, this is of course funny and fun. I'd recommend it. Though maybe not to your 9 year old....

Carl is a master at spinning wild tales of dysfunctional villains and eccentric heroes. Another in a long line of books that make makes LOL.

Hiaasen big creativity at its very best. I enjoyed reading Squim very very very very very very very very much. Highly recommended.

Came was exactly on time and was so delicately and carefully wrapped with cardboard and paper so there was not one scratch on it. I got it because it was a dollar cheaper than the paperback and my hopes were a bit low but it came perfect- a normal brand new book. Great

Carl Hiaasen is a special author. Usually, the characters in the book are crucial, but in Carl's case, the most important character is him! Hiaasen brings a whit, perspective, and style that are absolutely entertaining and leave you wanting more. If you haven't read all of his books, I advise you to put that on your short list!

Great read. Very funny. Like the characters.

I did not really know that this book was aimed at teenagers, but now that I have read it and caught up with this fact, I can see that it is a gripping tale and has a number of messages, from conservation to interpersonal interactions

Just as much fun as all the other Hiaasen novels for the young or the young at heart. Loved every page of this naturalist, anti-bullying, coming of age and dealing with family issues in a good way story. Hiaasen is always a delight.

I had expected an easy read, with lots of humour, but found this a chore. The narrator is a 13-year-old boy, and that's probably the right audience. For me, there was little drama -- certainly not a pave-turner.

Great. Ok and very entertaining all the way through.