Flush by Carl Hiaasen

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Environment, Crime, Family, Florida Keys
Grade Level: 6-8
Curriculum Connections: Science (environment, pollution, tropical species), Social Studies (Florida), Read Aloud

Noah Underwoods's father, Paine, is in jail for sinking the Coral Queen, a gambling boat harbored in the Florida Keys where they live. He believes that Dusty Muleman is emptying his holding tank from the boat (yes, that holding tank) into the bay. The pollution washes up on Thunder Beach, a local park. While Noah's father negotiates the legal system, Noah and his sister Abbey try to nail Dusty in the act. Readers know immediately who they are cheering for since the crime is so disgusting. Noah also has run-ins with Dusty's son, Jasper, Jasper's thug friend Bull, and a mysterious pirate from his past.

Classroom Suggestions:

1. Flush can be used as a supplement to a science unit on the environment and the effects of pollution. Many animals native to the keys are mentioned including numerous fish and loggerhead turtles. Noah's father laments the disappearance of certain animals due to overfishing, pollution, and tourism.

2. The setting of the book is described with accurate detail. Carl Hiaasen's novel is set in Florida where he lives. Many descriptions can be compared to photographs of the Keys. While their town is not mentioned specifically, there are clues as to where they are located. Students can use a map of the keys to track Noah's (and other characters') movement.

3. Noah's father believes he will call attention to the situation by remaining in jail. While trivial by comparison, teachers could use this as springboard to other reformers such as Nelson Mandela, who is mentioned by Noah's father.