Kliatt: Hiaasen, Carl. Flush

HIAASEN, Carl. Flush. Random House, Knopf. 272p. c2005. 0-375-82182-1. $16.95. (Lib. bdg: 0-375-92182-6. $18.99.) JS*

Another wild eco-comedy set in Florida from the author of the Newbery Honor Book Hoot, Hiaasen is also a columnist for the Miami Herald and the author of many best-selling novels for adults. Our hero here is young, intrepid Noah, whose well-intentioned but impulsive father gets into trouble when he sinks a casino boat that has been flushing its sewage tank directly into the ocean. To help his father, Noah sets out to prove the boat and its sleazy owner are doing wrong and to stop the pollution. With the assistance of Shelly, a flamboyant former bartender on the boat, and his little sister, a ferocious biter, Noah hatches "Operation Royal Flush," a dangerous plan to bring down the bad guys.

A wild cast of over-the-top characters and snappy dialog enliven the action. Sure to be a winner, both of awards and with YAs looking for an adventure with heart and with laughs; the underlying message about saving the environment comes across loud and clear, too. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books