Literary Awards - Newbery Medal Nominee (2003), Agatha Award Nominee for Best Childrens Young Adult (2002), Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award for Grades 6-8 (2004), Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2004), Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee (2004), Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (2005).

Roy's introduction to Florida is less than ideal, as his first encounter is with Dana Matherson, a notorious bully. However, if it weren't for Dana's unwelcome assault on Roy, he may never have noticed the barefoot running boy. The sight of the boy, who had no books and was running away from the school bus, piques Roy's curiosity and sets him on a path to uncovering a mystery. As he follows the running boy, Roy encounters an array of fascinating characters, including potty-trained alligators, a champion of fake flatulence, a group of burrowing owls, an environmental vigilante, and some highly venomous snakes with unusual sparkling tails. In this way, Roy is introduced to the unique and quirky world of Carl Hiaasen's Florida.