Tourist Season
by Carl Hiaasen
Penguin 1986
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.3 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- satire and dark humor
- environmentalism vs. development
- corruption and greed
- media and politics
- crime and justice
- loyalty and betrayal
- outsiders vs. community
- power and influence
About this book
In this darkly funny crime caper set in Miami, a reporter-turned–private investigator is drawn into a string of bizarre murders tied to a plot to scare tourists away from South Florida. Football players, politicians, and a very hungry reptile collide as the investigation peels back layers of corruption and hype. Carl Hiaasen’s debut adult novel blends mystery and satire with nonstop Florida weirdness. Best for mature high school readers who enjoy fast pacing, sharp humor, and twisty plots.
Setting: Miami and the Florida Everglades, contemporary 1980s
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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 6.3, 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 satire and dark humor, environmentalism vs. development, corruption and greed.
How long does it take to read Tourist Season?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, Tourist Season takes around 12h to finish. The book has 125,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tourist Season have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tourist Season has an AR quiz available, worth 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 Tourist Season?
Tourist Season has an AR reading level of 6.3, 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.