About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complexities of digital boundaries, online safety, or the urge to rebel against parental authority. It serves as a high-stakes cautionary tale about internet predators, wrapped in a wild Florida adventure that prioritizes real-world loyalty and environmental ethics over digital connections. The story follows Richard and a ragtag, one-eyed ex-governor named Skink as they track down Richard's cousin, Malley, who has run off with a stranger she met in an online chatroom. While the premise deals with the very real danger of grooming and identity theft, Carl Hiaasen uses humor and eccentric characters to make the lesson digestible. It is a perfect choice for parents wanting to discuss digital literacy and the importance of family honesty through a fast-paced, gritty, and ultimately redemptive lens.
