Wrecker

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is beginning to navigate the gray areas of integrity or feels the pressure of keeping a secret that feels too big to handle. Set in the vibrant Florida Keys, it follows Wrecker, a teen who finds himself accidentally witnessing a crime and becoming entangled with a group of dangerous smugglers. It is a perfect choice for parents who want to discuss how one small, impulsive decision can spiral, and why standing up for what is right is often more complicated than it looks on paper. Through a fast-paced mystery, the story explores the weight of responsibility and the importance of protecting both one's community and the natural world. While the plot involves smugglers and mild peril, the tone remains grounded in Carl Hiaasen's signature humor and environmental advocacy, making it an engaging and age-appropriate read for ages 10 to 14.