Skinny Dip
by Carl Hiaasen
Vintage Crime/Black Lizard 2016
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- environmental justice
- corruption and greed
- survival
- revenge and justice
- satire of politics and industry
- resilience
- truth vs. deception
About this book
This darkly funny eco-thriller set in South Florida follows a sharp, resilient heroine drawn into a wild caper that exposes corporate pollution and corruption. With crooked scientists, a ruthless tycoon, and a world-weary ex-cop in the mix, the story blends suspense with laugh-out-loud satire. Fast pacing, quirky characters, and vivid Everglades scenery make it a compulsive read. Best for mature high school readers who enjoy crime stories with humor and an environmental twist.
Setting: South Florida and the Everglades, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skinny Dip right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Skinny Dip. The reading level is AR 6.6, 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 justice, corruption and greed, survival.
How long does it take to read Skinny Dip?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Skinny Dip takes around 16h to finish. The book has 170,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Skinny Dip have an AR quiz?
Yes — Skinny Dip has an AR quiz available, worth 20 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 Skinny Dip?
Skinny Dip has an AR reading level of 6.6, 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.