Chapter One and Two Summary

"Chomp" is a novel written for middle-school readers. The story takes place in southern Florida. The main character, Wahoo Cray, comes of age as he helps his father, an animal wrangler, assist with the filming of a reality show episode set in the Everglades. Wahoo not only has to help manage unpredictable wildlife, but he also must reel in his impulsive father and offer support to a friend who is the victim of abuse by her father. Illusions about reality television are shattered in the novel, because Derek Badger, the star of "Expedition Survival," is an incompetent fool who only pretends to rough it alone in the wilderness. Ultimately Wahoo is given a chance to prove his bravery and devotion to the people he loves, and even Derek Badger redeems himself somewhat by helping to rescue Mickey...