Skink--No Surrender
by Carl Hiaasen
Knopf Books for Young Readers 2014
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- family and loyalty
- online safety
- justice
- survival
- mentorship
- environmentalism
- trust
About this book
When Richard’s cousin Malley runs off with someone she met online, he teams up with Skink, a one-eyed, ex-governor-turned-wildman, to track her across the wilds of Florida. Their search turns into a fast-paced road-and-swamp adventure filled with close calls, quirky humor, and real danger. Hiaasen blends suspense with environmental flair, making this a page-turner for savvy middle schoolers and teens. Great for readers who like high-stakes rescues, offbeat mentors, and smart, resourceful heroes.
Setting: contemporary Florida beaches, swamps, and back roads
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skink--No Surrender right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skink--No Surrender. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include courage, family and loyalty, online safety.
How long does it take to read Skink--No Surrender?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Skink--No Surrender takes around 7.0h to finish. The book has 69,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skink--No Surrender have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skink--No Surrender has an AR quiz available, worth 9 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 Skink--No Surrender?
Skink--No Surrender has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — 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.