Chapters 1-2 Summary

Carl Hiaasen is a well known writer of adult fiction that is often set in Florida, incorporating aspects of environmental issues set in Florida. This novel is Hiaasen's first attempt at young adult fiction, an attempt that resulted in the reception of the Newberry Award for young adult fiction.

In chapter 1, Roy is on the bus when Dana Matherson presses his face against the window. Had Dana not done this, Roy might not have seen the running boy. Later, Roy cannot stop thinking about this boy who was running away from the school bus with no shoes on. Roy asks his new friend, Garrett, about the boy, but Garrett has no clue who Roy is talking about. At the same time, Officer Delinko is investigating vandalism at the new site of Mother Paula's All American Pancake House. Someone has pulled out all the survey stakes...