Kay (USA: NE) (2009/07/17): Excellent book for grades 6 to 9 (and up). The book starts a little slow for small children, but once they get hooked, they can't put the book down. Kay (USA: NE) (2009/07/17): Excellent book for grades 6 to 9 (and up). The book starts a little slow for some children, but once they get hooked, they can't put the book down. Stephen (USA: MD) (2011/11/19): Great Young adult book by what has to be a fan of old Florida and a foe of new Florida. I've lived in Florida and knew a number of self proclaimed "Florida crackers." They expounded on a lot of the same issues that are mentioned as background events in this story... Sinkholes, regular afternoon lightning, years long peat fires, etc.
The pasteurization of Florida has been going on full-steam since the 1940's (probably before as well but at a slower rate). Yet, this is the first book that I've read that acknowledges it if even as background for the main story.
The novel is a great read in itself and worth the time. I found it fascinating that the most sight impaired character in the novel sometimes has the clearest vision.
