SYNOPSIS:

Classic Malley—to avoid being shipped off to boarding school, she takes off with some guy she met online. Poor Richard—he knows his cousin’s in trouble before she does. Wild Skink—he’s a ragged, one-eyed ex-governor of Florida, and enough of a renegade to think he can track Malley down. With Richard riding shotgun, the unlikely pair scour the state, undaunted by blinding storms, crazed pigs, flying bullets, and giant gators.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHECK IT OUT?

In the author’s first ever young adult novel, we’re talking some pretty serious crime subjects tempered with humour, compassion, and friendship.  While the internet has become a bit safer–or at least, it’s easier to be safe on it–there’s always the chance that the person on the other side of the screen has ulterior motives.  It’s probably good to be reminded of that every once in a while in fiction, so that it can happen less in reality.

Reminding us of FORGIVE ME, LEONARD PEACOCK, this cover is only less minimalist by having the handcuffs present.  While it might lead some readers to assume the novel involves juvie or other types of prison, a quick skim of the synopsis should clear any of that up!

Author Carl Hiaasen was born and raised in Florida, where he still lives with his family. He is the author of many novels for children (HOOT, FLUSH) and crime novels for adults (SICK PUPPY, SKINNY DIP).  He first introduced readers to the eccentric Skink in 1987 with DOUBLE WHAMMY.  He has spend most of his life advocating the protection of the Florida Everglades. Carl and his family live in southern Florida.  Find him online at www.CarlHiaasen.com!

EARLY REVIEWS SAY…

If you were pursuing your cousin’s kidnapper across Florida, you would want a man like Skink at your side. Maybe. [T]he pleasure of the developing relationship between Skink and the fatherless Richard, as trusty a protagonist as ever was. 

Hiaasen’s fierce love for the wilds of Florida, his fundamental commitment to decency and his penchant for the bizarre are all on full display in this. (Kirkus Reviews)

What happens to Malley during her abduction is never explicitly stated, but the implication of what a criminal is doing with a handcuffed 14-year-old girl rides uneasily alongside the kookier elements of the story.  (Publishers Weekly)

THE AUTHOR TALKS

NECESSARY DETAILS

YA Contemporary

Hardcover & ebook, 288 pages

Published on September 23rd 2014 by Knopf Books for Young Readers (ISBN 0375970517)

http://www.randomhouse.com/book/215027/skink-no-surrender-by-carl-hiaasen

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