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Squirm

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Squirm
By Carl Hiaasen
Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2018. Fiction

In typical Hiaasen fashion, “Squirm” is a book about taking care of the world we live in packed into an insane adventure full of hi-jinks, wild animals, and the great outdoors. Unlike Hiaasen’s other books, “Squirm” offers a slightly more serious story, with a little less silliness than his usual style, but with the same classic wit that always make his books a delight for young and older readers.

“Squirm”, while told with a little less humor than Hiaasen’s other books, still offers a story full of excitement, with a whole lot of heart, and an important message at the center. “Squirm” asks readers to consider the implications of their actions, both involving wildlife and people. While the main adventure deals with a poacher trying to kill protected species, and the illegality and unethical nature of his decisions, the underlying story is about Billy and his father coming to terms with their fragile relationship.

Readers will enjoy both the chaos of the wildlife adventure and the embedded tale of familial love and forgiveness. And as always, Hiaasen doesn’t skimp on exciting animals.

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