Flush

• Genre: Fiction; middle-grade; comedy/adventure
• Originally Published: 2005
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 770L; grades 7-12
• Structure/Length: 21 chapters; approx. 288 pages; 5 hours and 22 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: When Noah Underwood’s father is arrested for sinking a casino boat, Noah sets out on a mission to prove that the owner of the casino has been illegally flushing raw sewage into a Florida harbor.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Bullying

Carl Hiaasen, Author

• Bio: Born and raised in Florida, where he still lives; graduated from the University of Florida; worked as a reporter for the Miami Herald; writes novels for both children and adults; his books have been published in 34 languages
• Other Works: Hoot (2002); Chomp (2012); Squirm (2018)
• Awards: New York Times Notable Book (2005); ALA Notable Children’s Book (2006); ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers (2006); Florida Sunshine State Book Master List (2007)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• Fragile Environment
• Fighting the Good Fight
• Bigshots and Bullies

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Deepen their understanding of environmentalism and environmental action as a foundation for comprehension of and engagement with the plot and character motivations in Flush.
• Read/study short paired texts and other resources to enrich their understanding of themes related to the Fragile Environment, Fighting the Good Fight, and Bigshots and Bullies.