Squirm

Carl Hiaasen

Ages 9 to 11
13 June 2019
9781529017182
304 pages

Synopsis

Squirm is a funny, wildly entertaining adventure about the great outdoors and protecting the environment, from New York Times bestselling author Carl Hiaasen, author of modern classic, Hoot.

Some facts about Billy Dickens:
* He once saw a biker swerve across the road in order to run over a snake.
* Later, that motorcycle somehow ended up at the bottom of a canal.
* Billy isn't the type to let things go.

Some facts about Billy's family:
* They've lived in six different Florida towns because Billy's mum insists on getting a house near a bald eagle nest.
* Billy's dad left when he was four and is a total mystery.
* Billy has just found his dad's address – in Montana.

This summer, Billy will fly across the country, hike a mountain, float a river, dodge a grizzly bear, shoot down a spy drone, save a neighbour's cat, save an endangered panther, and then try to save his own father.

Humorous, self-deprecating narration and convoluted exploits will keep pages turning till the satisfying close.
Hiaasen's latest is richly steeped in the natural world and all the peril it contains, from rattlers to grizzlies. Still, what may be most satisfying for readers are the personal connections Billy makes, whether it's getting to know his new stepsister or making peace with his dad.
Hiaasen's ecological passion shows no sign of abatement, and neither does his faith in kid resourcefulness and family resilience