Product Description Eleven-year-old Jon Walker is excited about summer vacation. He loves spending time at his grandparents' farm along the Big Cypress River, and this year promises to be a whole lot of fun. But as soon as he arrives at the farmhouse, tragedy strikes. Grandpa's beloved dog, Ole Blue, has been mysteriously killed. Unfortunately, Old Blue isn't the only victim. Terror grips the racially-divided community of Big Cypress when other pets and farm animals come under attack. But who, or what, is the perpetrator? Jon learns from his new secret friend, Patches Harper, about a mysterious river monster that might be the cause of the violence, and the two decide to work together to solve the mystery-despite any danger they may face. However, it's hard to unravel the mystery when the black folks and the white folks live on opposite sides of the river and refuse to talk to each other. Everyone agrees on one thing though: the beast must be caught. With the promise of a reward, Jon and Patches become more determined than ever to capture the monster. But when trouble strikes, will the town put aside their differences and work together to save Jon and Patches? From the Back Cover Eleven-year-old Jon Walker is excited about summer vacation. He loves spending time at his grandparents' farm along the Big Cypress River, and this year promises to be a whole lot of fun. But as soon as he arrives at the farmhouse, tragedy strikes. Grandpa's beloved dog, Ole Blue, has been mysteriously killed. Unfortunately, Old Blue isn't the only victim. Terror grips the racially-divided community of Big Cypress when other pets and farm animals come under attack. But who, or what, is the perpetrator? Jon learns from his new secret friend, Patches Harper, about a mysterious river monster that might be the cause of the violence, and the two decide to work together to solve the mystery--despite any danger they may face. However, it's hard to unravel the mystery when the black folks and the white folks live on opposite sides of the river and refuse to talk to each other. Everyone agrees on one thing though: the beast must be caught. With the promise of a reward, Jon and Patches become more determined than ever to capture the monster. But when trouble strikes, will the town put aside their differences and work together to save Jon and Patches? Filled with timely lessons on race, friendship, and family, Shake on It and Spit in the Dirt is a classic, first-rate adventure! About the Author Lynne Gregg earned a bachelor's degree in ? and a master's degree in ?. An English teacher, she currently lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, John, and enjoys traveling to exotic places. They have five grandchildren. A Texas educator for thirty-two years, Karen Jennings has taught language arts, reading, and English as a second language. She lives out in the country with her two dogs.

Gregg, Lynne,Jennings, Karen