Tourist Season
A Suspense Thriller
by Carl Hiaasen
Penguin 2016
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.4 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- corruption
- greed vs. nature
- media and sensationalism
- crime and justice
- satire
- power and politics
- environmental activism
- identity and loyalty
About this book
In this darkly funny caper set in South Florida, a reporter-turned–private investigator gets pulled into a string of bizarre crimes that threaten the city’s all-important tourist trade. Colorful characters—from crooked officials to zealous activists and a hungry crocodile—collide in a satirical mystery that skewers greed and corruption. Fast-paced plotting and sharp humor make it a page-turner for mature teens who enjoy crime stories with wit. Best for older high school readers who like twisty mysteries and Florida-flavored satire.
Setting: Miami and South Florida, contemporary
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tourist Season right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tourist Season. The reading level is AR 6.4, 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 corruption, greed vs. nature, media and sensationalism.
How long does it take to read Tourist Season?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Tourist Season takes around 10h to finish. The book has 105,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tourist Season have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tourist Season has an AR quiz available, worth 16 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 Tourist Season?
Tourist Season has an AR reading level of 6.4, 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.