Native Tongue
by Carl Hiaasen
Vintage Crime/Black Lizard 2010
Book 1 of Native Tongue Trilogy
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.2 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- environmental activism
- corporate greed
- corruption
- whistleblowing
- justice
- satire
- media spin
- crime and cover-ups
About this book
In this sharp, funny Florida caper, PR man Joe Winder works at a flashy Keys theme park—until a pair of rare voles vanish and he stumbles into a tangle of corporate greed, corruption, and eco-sabotage. As oddball environmentalists clash with ruthless developers, Joe is pulled into a fast-moving mystery that careens from mangroves to midway rides. With zany characters, snappy dialogue, and a strong environmental streak, this is a high-energy satire for mature teens who like crime stories with humor. Fans of offbeat mysteries and Florida noir will be hooked.
Setting: Florida Keys and a kitschy North Key Largo theme park, early 1990s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Native Tongue right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Native Tongue. The reading level is AR 6.2, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include environmental activism, corporate greed, corruption.
How long does it take to read Native Tongue?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Native Tongue takes around 12h to finish. The book has 130,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Native Tongue have an AR quiz?
Yes — Native Tongue has an AR quiz available, worth 18 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Native Tongue?
Native Tongue has an AR reading level of 6.2, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.