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Hoot
Unfortunately, Roy’s first acquaintance in Florida is Dana Matherson, a well-known bully. Then again, if Dana hadn’t been sinking his thumbs into Roy’s temples and mashing his face against the school-bus window, Roy might never have spotted the running boy. And the running boy is he was running away from the school bus, carried no books, and–here’s the odd part–wore no shoes. Sensing a mystery, Roy sets himself on the boy’s trail. The chase introduces him to potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes with unnaturally sparkling tails.
Roy has most definitely arrived in Carl Hiaasen’s Florida.
From the Hardcover edition.
Roy has most definitely arrived in Carl Hiaasen’s Florida.
From the Hardcover edition.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2002
About the author
Carl Hiaasen
96 books8,741 followersCarl Hiaasen was born and raised in Florida. After graduating from the University of Florida, he joined the Miami Herald as a general assignment reporter and went on to work for the newspaper’s weekly magazine and prize-winning investigations team. As a journalist and author, Carl has spent most of his life advocating for the protection of the Florida Everglades. He and his family live in southern Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,760 reviews
June 5, 2013
This book is extraordinarily okay. It pummels you with okayness. The characters? Okay. The plot? Okay. The humor? Okay. The writing? A-okay. Hiassen is masterful in the way he never goes astray, never veers into good, never dips into bad; it's a stunning, tour-de-force of okay. If you set out to write a book that was just okay enough to keep reading, but not so good that you actually started to like it, this would be it. It honestly couldn't have been more okay if it tried.
Would I recommend it? Meh. Would I warn you off of it? Meh.
Do you see the level of ambivalence this okay book inspires? It's okayosity is off the charts. I liked it a perfectly okay amount.
What else can I say? I'm honestly surprised I've said this much. If you're looking for a book that's is all kinds of okay, then this is the book for you. It won't disappoint you. It won't excite you. You'll barely know you're reading it and may not even notice once it's done.
It's okay.
Would I recommend it? Meh. Would I warn you off of it? Meh.
Do you see the level of ambivalence this okay book inspires? It's okayosity is off the charts. I liked it a perfectly okay amount.
What else can I say? I'm honestly surprised I've said this much. If you're looking for a book that's is all kinds of okay, then this is the book for you. It won't disappoint you. It won't excite you. You'll barely know you're reading it and may not even notice once it's done.
It's okay.
June 16, 2016
I give thanks for authors like Carl Hiaasen who write stories that strengthen our youth's conscience and awareness of environmental matters. Hoot was Mr. Hiaasen's children's book debut, and although it appears targeted for the middle-grade children's crowd, I as an adult thoroughly enjoyed it. I must note though that I read this with my eleven year old and his enthusiasm was pretty contagious. He is slowly but surely devouring each of Mr. Hiaasen's novels so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and see what it's all about.
The main plot of Hoot is an ecological thriller/mystery of sorts centering on endangered burrowing owls. The middle-school aged characters are great and I enjoyed seeing young perspectives about adults, rules/laws, and the environment in general. I can see why my son loves this author! Apparently this title has also been adapted to film, so I'm sure I'll be watching it soon...possibly even tonight if my son has his way LOL.
As with most of the books I enjoy, I can't help but research a bit on either the author or the subject matter. Reading just inspires me to learn more. After I read HERE about these endangered creatures, my appreciation soared for Mr. Hiaasen and his decision to increase awareness. Here's what I learned about burrowing owls and their struggle to survive:
If you know any elementary or middle school-aged kids, recommend Mr. Hiaasen to them...or better yet, gift them one of his books for young readers! You will not only be encouraging literacy but you'll also be giving the gift of positive ecological and environmental perspective at the perfect age. Do it!
My favorite quote:
“Just because something is legal doesn’t automatically make it right.”
Carl Hiaasen's collection for young audiences include the following standalone novels as of May 2015:
The main plot of Hoot is an ecological thriller/mystery of sorts centering on endangered burrowing owls. The middle-school aged characters are great and I enjoyed seeing young perspectives about adults, rules/laws, and the environment in general. I can see why my son loves this author! Apparently this title has also been adapted to film, so I'm sure I'll be watching it soon...possibly even tonight if my son has his way LOL.
As with most of the books I enjoy, I can't help but research a bit on either the author or the subject matter. Reading just inspires me to learn more. After I read HERE about these endangered creatures, my appreciation soared for Mr. Hiaasen and his decision to increase awareness. Here's what I learned about burrowing owls and their struggle to survive:
"The burrowing owl is federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The greatest threat to burrowing owls is habitat destruction and degradation caused primarily by land development and ground squirrel/prairie dog control measures. Despite their protected status, burrowing owls are often displaced and their burrows destroyed during the development process."Insert sad face. I mean, look at these little guys...
If you know any elementary or middle school-aged kids, recommend Mr. Hiaasen to them...or better yet, gift them one of his books for young readers! You will not only be encouraging literacy but you'll also be giving the gift of positive ecological and environmental perspective at the perfect age. Do it!
My favorite quote:
“Just because something is legal doesn’t automatically make it right.”
Carl Hiaasen's collection for young audiences include the following standalone novels as of May 2015:
June 16, 2011
I thought I was too old for Hoot's message but Carl Hiassen proved me wrong. Hoot, with it's wonderfully developed array of the most interesting characters I've seen since The Importance of Being Earnest, goes beyond the story of Roy Edberhart (if that's how you spell it), Mullet Fingers, and Beatrice Leep in their struggle against the building of a Mother Paula's Pancake house. Behind it's lighthearted and often joking facade the book is a window into the rapid destruction of Florida wildlife in order to make room for civilization and pancake houses. This book is just a reminder that as Paper Towns spring up the animals are forced to flee or die.
Recommended for anyone who liked Paper Towns by John Green or The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. I don't think you can ever be too old for this book.
Recommended for anyone who liked Paper Towns by John Green or The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. I don't think you can ever be too old for this book.
September 3, 2018
Hoot by Carl Hiaasenis a coming of age story that I adored. It has everything a kid could relate to -bullies, not fitting in, wanting to help, a noble cause, friendship, and family. The best part was the cute owls and the way the author brought the wonderful characters to life! I understand it is a movie! I will have to see it now. It may have been a preteen book but I enjoyed every moment!
May 31, 2016
About what you would expect from a cheesy, feel-good YA novel. I probably would have rated it higher if I was a teen (some YA translates well to adults, not really so much here). But, it wasn't bad and I can definitely see myself recommending it to my kids when they are teenagers.
July 6, 2012
The following review is by my son and padawan Liam:
I give HOOT 4 and a half stars. I liked how there was a mysterious running boy called "Mullet Fingers." I liked how Mullet Fingers and Beatrice are related. I like how Roy tricked Dana into thinking there were cigarettes in a trailer and that he stepped in the mouse traps.
I disliked that the ending kind of left you hanging. I also didn't like that the story is called "Hoot" and you don't figure out the title until the very end.
I would definitely recommend this book to other kids.
I give HOOT 4 and a half stars. I liked how there was a mysterious running boy called "Mullet Fingers." I liked how Mullet Fingers and Beatrice are related. I like how Roy tricked Dana into thinking there were cigarettes in a trailer and that he stepped in the mouse traps.
I disliked that the ending kind of left you hanging. I also didn't like that the story is called "Hoot" and you don't figure out the title until the very end.
I would definitely recommend this book to other kids.
November 7, 2022
I think the top review for this book hit the nail on the head then proceeded to beat it mercilessly until there was no nail left. It's just ok. Don't expect anything memorable. It was fairly short and cute. I think a much younger reader might find it a bit more enjoyable than an adult. Next time your kid needs to do a book report dust off this cubic zircornia.
January 29, 2015
I love Carl Hiaasen's YA novels and this one was TREMENDOUS! Takes place on the Left Coast of FL and has a great cast of characters to love and to dislike. I am an old fart(68),but I still enjoy a well written YA book and HOOT is definitely one!
March 13, 2009
This book shows care towards owls
May 24, 2020
I used to absolutely love Carl Hiaasen’s book as a kid, and they were part of my love for the environment growing up. This book is so incredibly heartwarming, especially the end scene when they all hold hands and protect the owl burrows, and it really made me nostalgic for when I first read this book in elementary school. I really love this book, I think it has such a great message, and I’m excited to reread his other children’s books!
March 23, 2023
I always enjoy Carl Hiaasen's writing whether he is writing for children or for adults. He always manages to portray the strangeness of Florida in a fun and heartwarming way. As someone who is living away from my Florida hometown, it's like a visit home in book form. Florida strangeness abounds here in this story about a boy living in a junkyard who is fighting to save burrowing owls from the construction of a chain pancake restaurant.
October 23, 2008
Mullet fingers just escaped from his parents and know he is trying to save some owls that live in a mothers Paula pancake house terrain that is going to dig the owl’s houses and obviously kill those owls. Till there you can see it’s a dumb and boring stories story but when mullet fingers starts risking his liberty painting the cops cars windows in black and trespassing private property not going to school (which is illegal in Florida) and escaping from his parents you are obviously in suspense. Carl Hiaasen uses excellent word choice and excellent imagery. I can imagine perfectly how Dana is struggling poor Roy. The techniques Carl uses in this book are to have 2 settings and that in the end they unite and also she is having you with suspense so you keep reading it and also it has a bit of mystery. I think that the author’s intention is to be careful of our actions because if you don’t know what you’re doing you’re probably end hurting the environment. The book contains lots of details and word choice just like rumble, thicket, trudging and much more. I think also that some words are hard and not really descriptive but I can understand the word with the context. I think that she never uses the technique of repetition. In depth I think that the book is a compete adventure with funny parts and sad parts but it’s an excellent book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
It’s tough always being “the new kid”. It’s even tougher when there is a bully involved, but the day that Dana Matherson mashed Roy Eberhardt’s face against the school bus window was perhaps the greatest stroke of luck since Alexander Graham Bell spilled acid on his leg. For it was at that exact moment that Roy saw the mysterious running boy bolting past the bus. He was wearing no shoes and carrying no backpack or books. What was he running from? Where was he going? And why wasn’t he wearing any shoes? Turns out, that wasn’t the only mystery in the sleepy little town of Coconut Cove, Florida. Someone is trying to prevent the newest Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House from being built. Between burrowing owls, alligators, sparkly-tailed snakes, fake farts, and nightly pranks, perhaps Coconut Cove isn’t so sleepy after all.
Carl Hiaasen’s "Hoot" was awarded a Newbery Honor in 2003. He gives us two mysteries in one: a strange running boy and a vandal thwarting the efforts of a big-time corporation. The story is witty, fast-paced, and full of heart. Our hero, Roy, is likeable and full of moxie. For a kid who just wants to get through the school day unnoticed, he makes it a point to stand out from the crowd. From taking on the school bully to striking up an unusual friendship with Beatrice Leep, an elite soccer star, Roy quickly makes a name for himself and becomes the unlikeliest of heroes.
"Hoot" is more than just a story about friendship and courage. It is a David-versus-Goliath story as environmentalism goes head-to-head with capitalism. It’s burrowing owls against big bucks and a group of average kids willing to go to great lengths in order to protect something far more valuable than a building or a brand. In addition, we are introduced to a rather unseemly group of adults: an opportunistic officer, a nasty vice-principal, crooked politicians, a vile stepmother, greedy corporate heads, and so on. Luckily, there are a few adults in the book who haven’t sold their soul to the devil, but the spotlight is really on Roy, Beatrice, and our mysterious running boy, which proves that good things do come in small packages.
American writer and poet Suzy Kassem wrote, “Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.” Carl Hiaasen gives readers a story about defending the weakest among us—the helpless and vulnerable who either lack the voice to speak up or the courage to stand up. He provides instances showing people doing good in order to curry favor or to get ahead, but it’s the instances where good is done simply because it is the right thing to do that proves to be the truest measure of a person. Hiaasen illustrates this through a new kid, a mysterious running boy, and a soccer star—three unlikely friends who wouldn’t give up despite the odds and showed that every life is precious and worth preserving. That, dear friends, is something we should all give a hoot about.
Carl Hiaasen’s "Hoot" was awarded a Newbery Honor in 2003. He gives us two mysteries in one: a strange running boy and a vandal thwarting the efforts of a big-time corporation. The story is witty, fast-paced, and full of heart. Our hero, Roy, is likeable and full of moxie. For a kid who just wants to get through the school day unnoticed, he makes it a point to stand out from the crowd. From taking on the school bully to striking up an unusual friendship with Beatrice Leep, an elite soccer star, Roy quickly makes a name for himself and becomes the unlikeliest of heroes.
"Hoot" is more than just a story about friendship and courage. It is a David-versus-Goliath story as environmentalism goes head-to-head with capitalism. It’s burrowing owls against big bucks and a group of average kids willing to go to great lengths in order to protect something far more valuable than a building or a brand. In addition, we are introduced to a rather unseemly group of adults: an opportunistic officer, a nasty vice-principal, crooked politicians, a vile stepmother, greedy corporate heads, and so on. Luckily, there are a few adults in the book who haven’t sold their soul to the devil, but the spotlight is really on Roy, Beatrice, and our mysterious running boy, which proves that good things do come in small packages.
American writer and poet Suzy Kassem wrote, “Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.” Carl Hiaasen gives readers a story about defending the weakest among us—the helpless and vulnerable who either lack the voice to speak up or the courage to stand up. He provides instances showing people doing good in order to curry favor or to get ahead, but it’s the instances where good is done simply because it is the right thing to do that proves to be the truest measure of a person. Hiaasen illustrates this through a new kid, a mysterious running boy, and a soccer star—three unlikely friends who wouldn’t give up despite the odds and showed that every life is precious and worth preserving. That, dear friends, is something we should all give a hoot about.
April 13, 2008
i love this book, great 4 envirnment crazy ppl like me!
December 19, 2008
A barefoot boy called by "Mullet Fingers" does as much as he can to be in decline of the mother Paula Pancake house construction. He knows about some little owls that live there and want them to be safe, since the building will cover their houses. Roy a boy that notices Mullet Fingers running one day in the street, starts getting filled with curiosity all related to the boy. With great imagery, the author clearly describes the child's point of view throughout the whole tail. This story is filled with action describing what the barefoot boy does in the point of view of Roy, Roy parents, Dana Matherson (Roy's bully), Curly, Officer Delinko & other characters. Hiaasen uses great techniques one can clearly notice along the book. Word Choice rocks in Hoot! "Roy zipped through his homework" is one of the statements that Carl uses instead of just saying he was done with homework rapidly, which makes it sound boring. Also, he said " Roy dazzled with exitement & joy", instead of simply stating he was really happy. I also liked how he said " Mullet Fingers, dying of ferocity but strength" instead of just saying he was really angry and brave. I adore and admire this authors way of writing and way of persuading me to reading more. I recommend this book to all that care about nature and the environment. Way to go Carl Hiassen, this book was exceptionally marvelous!
September 9, 2008
This book just kind of fell into my lap when a friend of mine gave it to me with a bunch of other books she was leaving behind as she was moving. All she told me was that it was cute, and as I do enjoy YA literature I thought I'd give it a try when I had a free evening. I was surprised to find it quite an engaging read. The plot was clever, the main characters believable, and I very much appreciated the message taught in the book...not so much the environmental message, which was fine, but the message that sometimes life presents us with alternatives which aren't clearly black or white and we have to dig down inside ourselves to figure out what to do when outside sources don't have all the answers. I appreciated the parents in this book who were supportive but allowed their son to make his own decisions. Some of the supporting characters were a little too "cardboard cutout" for me...the bumbling police officer, for one, and the construction site foreman were both too one-dimensional. But, as they were relatively minor characters it didn't cause a significant decrease in my enjoyment of the book. I recommend this as a light but enjoyable, entertaining read.
November 6, 2009
Meh. That's not a descriptor I use very often in a book review, but it seems to fit here. Not bad - writing is lucid, characters are reasonably interesting, etc. But nothing special. To my eyes it's a fairly middle-of-the-road juvenile about a frankly overdone subject: evil national corporation intends to build a new franchise right on top of the nesting spot of some poor, happless, endangered - and, not coincidentally, cute - owls. Plucky Jr. highers fight to stop them. Yeah, I've heard this one. It seems to be the theme of nearly every Saturday morning cartoon anymore (although I suppose it's usually super heros or faries or something acting as the protagonists rather than 12 year olds.)
So, like I said: a decent and reasonably engaging treatment of the subject - and yes, at least a BIT more nuanced than the typical Saturday cartoon - but it doesn't seem to be worth the hooplah and the Newberry award.
So, like I said: a decent and reasonably engaging treatment of the subject - and yes, at least a BIT more nuanced than the typical Saturday cartoon - but it doesn't seem to be worth the hooplah and the Newberry award.
January 27, 2020
Not what you expect from Carl Hiaasen. None of his usual cast of characters. Maybe written for young teens but nevertheless well done. I have to say I enjoyed it. No vulgarity, sex and no one got put six feet under. Just plain old good stuff.
April 10, 2014
Our son started to read this book, so I thought I would read it too so we could discuss it. He decided to abandon it and I was glad he did. I would not recommend this to anyone. One character vandalizes and sabotages the construction of a business. If you believe it shouldn't be built that is fine, but to celebrate a child or anyone who breaks the law to save the environment or animals is not right in my book. I looked at other children's books he has written and they seem to follow the same theme. I would not like any book that promotes this type of behavior even if it was for a cause I believed in, because the end does not justify the means.
December 8, 2012
Great for those who enjoy a bit of a mix of mystery & menace, and like the underdogs to win! When a young man seeks to protect an endangered owl habitat, his actions effect an entire community in hilarious ways.
Great for ages 8-adults...adults like me who like to finish a few books in a day or 2 in order to move on to the next great piece of writing.
Great for ages 8-adults...adults like me who like to finish a few books in a day or 2 in order to move on to the next great piece of writing.
August 7, 2016
*Read as a read aloud to my son so rating is based primarily on the opinion of a six year old.*
I read this with my oldest tiny person and it is now his favorite book ever. Although it breaks my heart a small amount that Hoot has usurped Matilda for the top spot, I have to admit, this was the perfect story my son.
Hoot is set in a small town in Florida and it about being the new kid, making new friends, addressing a school bully, environmental concerns, and how it only takes one person to stand up and change people's minds.
There is comedy, including minor potty humor (the MC's friend is very fond of making "fart-noises"), some glimpses into what would not be considered good home environments, and the struggle between doing what you are told is right and what feels right to you. It never gets weepy, but there are parts when I was reading that made me miss the excitement of being a kid and riding my bike to new places to explore. Hoot really was a wonderful book and at just shy of 300 pages this is the longest chapter book the boy and I have tackled so far.
His favorite characters:
Roy - Main character and new kid at Trace Middle School
Mullet Fingers - The shoeless running boy that provides much of the mystery/ intrigue of the book
Dana Matherson - The bully (<- mostly just because he liked to laugh at every time Dana tried to beat up Roy and couldn't)
His favorite parts:
Things, as a parent, that I wish were different:
Beatrice the Bear, who becomes friends with Roy eventually, is the only female child that has a role in the book. Roy's mother is wonderful, but the female principal, and the mothers of Dana Matherson and Mullet Fingers (as well as the step-mother to Beatrice) are all horrible. I would have like to have seen more positive female characters in the book, but I did like that Beatrice was not depicted as a possible girlfriend interest and she had her own diverse interests and emotions. Throughout the book Beatrice is depicted as intimidating and strong, but there is a scene toward the end in Roy's room that shows her vulnerable side as well which kept her from being a prop character.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this one with my little and I would recommend it to others as a read aloud or for a MG level read alone. It's a perfect summer read with kiddos on break to help inspire them to explore their own neighborhood.
... I just hope there isn't a Mother Paula's coming to your town.
I read this with my oldest tiny person and it is now his favorite book ever. Although it breaks my heart a small amount that Hoot has usurped Matilda for the top spot, I have to admit, this was the perfect story my son.
Hoot is set in a small town in Florida and it about being the new kid, making new friends, addressing a school bully, environmental concerns, and how it only takes one person to stand up and change people's minds.
There is comedy, including minor potty humor (the MC's friend is very fond of making "fart-noises"), some glimpses into what would not be considered good home environments, and the struggle between doing what you are told is right and what feels right to you. It never gets weepy, but there are parts when I was reading that made me miss the excitement of being a kid and riding my bike to new places to explore. Hoot really was a wonderful book and at just shy of 300 pages this is the longest chapter book the boy and I have tackled so far.
His favorite characters:
Roy - Main character and new kid at Trace Middle School
Mullet Fingers - The shoeless running boy that provides much of the mystery/ intrigue of the book
Dana Matherson - The bully (<- mostly just because he liked to laugh at every time Dana tried to beat up Roy and couldn't)
His favorite parts:
Things, as a parent, that I wish were different:
Beatrice the Bear, who becomes friends with Roy eventually, is the only female child that has a role in the book. Roy's mother is wonderful, but the female principal, and the mothers of Dana Matherson and Mullet Fingers (as well as the step-mother to Beatrice) are all horrible. I would have like to have seen more positive female characters in the book, but I did like that Beatrice was not depicted as a possible girlfriend interest and she had her own diverse interests and emotions. Throughout the book Beatrice is depicted as intimidating and strong, but there is a scene toward the end in Roy's room that shows her vulnerable side as well which kept her from being a prop character.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this one with my little and I would recommend it to others as a read aloud or for a MG level read alone. It's a perfect summer read with kiddos on break to help inspire them to explore their own neighborhood.
... I just hope there isn't a Mother Paula's coming to your town.
November 8, 2023
A very simple story with one dimensional characters (all good or all bad); not a take-home message I'm in favor of promoting.
But any story that encourages minors to engage in civil disobedience, hell - non-civil disobedience, or better yet, "criminal" obstruction of corporate devastation for the protection of wild nature - as this story does - isn't a waste of time, even if written simplistically.
And find allies anywhere you can, even temporary ones, to save a species you love.
So plot away, youthful ones - there isn't any time to waste. Your sweet little records can be completely expunged.
I know that for a fact.
But any story that encourages minors to engage in civil disobedience, hell - non-civil disobedience, or better yet, "criminal" obstruction of corporate devastation for the protection of wild nature - as this story does - isn't a waste of time, even if written simplistically.
And find allies anywhere you can, even temporary ones, to save a species you love.
So plot away, youthful ones - there isn't any time to waste. Your sweet little records can be completely expunged.
I know that for a fact.
December 7, 2024
It was absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️❤️, just a YA book about youth's impact to many problematic things that a pancake restaurant construction site is being built BUT it concerns and threats the habitat of the owls that surrounds it. This book may be a silly goofy novel about three kids Roy, Mullet and Beatrice who just plays around and pranks the site to delay the construction of the restaurant and the 'inevitable' destruction of the owl's habitat, its pleasant to see that even young ones through their own unique ways, can have a positive significant effect to the world around them.
April 13, 2020
Reader thoughts: I guess the writing was okay. The research was deplorable.
1, Construction sites. The first thing a construction site will do after vandalism (or mischief) is to hire 24/7 security. I know because my husband used to work as a security guard for construction sites. They don't just tell the local police and expect the police to keep an eye on the site.
Plus, the first thing should be tilling the land (thus getting rid of all owl burrows), not waiting until after staking out the place.
Plus, if the crew has the equipment, what are they waiting for? In this book, they keep waiting for "tomorrow" or "Monday morning" instead of just finishing. Plenty of construction crews work in the evening/night or on weekends, especially if you're behind schedule.
2, Emergency Departments. ERs have locked doors between the waiting room and the rest of the ER (I know this because my husband currently works at an ER). So, the parents can't just push past the nurse to get to their child. My husband says if people do manage to push past the magnetic lock, an alarm immediately sounds.
Plus, doctors don't get 25 minute breaks. ER doctors, especially if they have exactly 1 patient that day, do not get breaks while the people are they waiting to see the doctor.
Plus, the only reason PARENTS would not be allowed to see their CHILD is if the doctor suspects neglect or abuse, in which case the police would have been called to the scene. Actually, my husband says the police are always called when minors are brought in with dog bites.
Plus, there should be no way for a patient to sneak out of the ER without alerting the doctor and nurse and everybody.
(He also says these policies are nationwide and wouldn't have been different in Florida in the 1990s).
3, schools. If a kid is knocked out by a golf ball, you call his parents, you don't send him to school and then have the vice principal yell at him. Also, if he has BRUISES on his NECK where a kid tried to CHOKE him, you don't suspend him (even just from a bus) for defending himself (even if he broke the larger kid's nose). I've never been in a situation like this, but I do work at a school. This just wouldn't happen.
4, burrowing owls. Actually, from what I can tell, they are protected and do live in Florida. HOWEVER, their burrows flood in the rainy season. Since the book mentions 8-12 inches of rain in 3 days, it is the rainy season! The owls are probably somewhere else right now! This is just from what I can find when reading the internet, though, and not personal experience.
So, this book frustrated me. There's more.
The runaway boy.
The protest.
They are just owls! They will find a different place to live! Every building disrupts animal life in some way! How was this worth vandalism and poisonous snakes and damaging property?
I care about animals and the environment, but I do NOT agree with the methods of the 12-year-olds in this book. I also do not think this book should be given to 12-year-olds to show them how to break the law and pretend that it is a good thing because they were saving the homes of the owls.
Writer thoughts: Sympathy is a tricky thing. I think this book made me feel a lot more sympathetic to the police officer and Curly than I did toward the runaway boy vandal. The horrible things done to Curly and the police officer outweighed anything they deserved, which is why my sympathy soared. Then, readers can end up caring more for your antagonist than for your protagonist. I suppose this is why the protagonist works best as an underdog and has to be losing most of the battles until the end.
No, I never cared about Muck Chuckle, the vice president of the pancake company. He was the true antagonist, but he didn't show up until the end. So, he wasn't the face of the pancake company like Curly and the officer were.
1, Construction sites. The first thing a construction site will do after vandalism (or mischief) is to hire 24/7 security. I know because my husband used to work as a security guard for construction sites. They don't just tell the local police and expect the police to keep an eye on the site.
Plus, the first thing should be tilling the land (thus getting rid of all owl burrows), not waiting until after staking out the place.
Plus, if the crew has the equipment, what are they waiting for? In this book, they keep waiting for "tomorrow" or "Monday morning" instead of just finishing. Plenty of construction crews work in the evening/night or on weekends, especially if you're behind schedule.
2, Emergency Departments. ERs have locked doors between the waiting room and the rest of the ER (I know this because my husband currently works at an ER). So, the parents can't just push past the nurse to get to their child. My husband says if people do manage to push past the magnetic lock, an alarm immediately sounds.
Plus, doctors don't get 25 minute breaks. ER doctors, especially if they have exactly 1 patient that day, do not get breaks while the people are they waiting to see the doctor.
Plus, the only reason PARENTS would not be allowed to see their CHILD is if the doctor suspects neglect or abuse, in which case the police would have been called to the scene. Actually, my husband says the police are always called when minors are brought in with dog bites.
Plus, there should be no way for a patient to sneak out of the ER without alerting the doctor and nurse and everybody.
(He also says these policies are nationwide and wouldn't have been different in Florida in the 1990s).
3, schools. If a kid is knocked out by a golf ball, you call his parents, you don't send him to school and then have the vice principal yell at him. Also, if he has BRUISES on his NECK where a kid tried to CHOKE him, you don't suspend him (even just from a bus) for defending himself (even if he broke the larger kid's nose). I've never been in a situation like this, but I do work at a school. This just wouldn't happen.
4, burrowing owls. Actually, from what I can tell, they are protected and do live in Florida. HOWEVER, their burrows flood in the rainy season. Since the book mentions 8-12 inches of rain in 3 days, it is the rainy season! The owls are probably somewhere else right now! This is just from what I can find when reading the internet, though, and not personal experience.
So, this book frustrated me. There's more.
The runaway boy.
The protest.
They are just owls! They will find a different place to live! Every building disrupts animal life in some way! How was this worth vandalism and poisonous snakes and damaging property?
I care about animals and the environment, but I do NOT agree with the methods of the 12-year-olds in this book. I also do not think this book should be given to 12-year-olds to show them how to break the law and pretend that it is a good thing because they were saving the homes of the owls.
Writer thoughts: Sympathy is a tricky thing. I think this book made me feel a lot more sympathetic to the police officer and Curly than I did toward the runaway boy vandal. The horrible things done to Curly and the police officer outweighed anything they deserved, which is why my sympathy soared. Then, readers can end up caring more for your antagonist than for your protagonist. I suppose this is why the protagonist works best as an underdog and has to be losing most of the battles until the end.
No, I never cared about Muck Chuckle, the vice president of the pancake company. He was the true antagonist, but he didn't show up until the end. So, he wasn't the face of the pancake company like Curly and the officer were.
March 26, 2017
I don't like this book since I first read it in 6 grade, now I still don't :p
The plot is not interesting so I only get to finish half of the book
The plot is not interesting so I only get to finish half of the book
May 11, 2021
This was one of the best books I read In about 4 days flat if you are a kid or even if you are a grownup I recommend you read it
November 30, 2018
Laugh out loud and endearing little tale.
World: I love Hiassen and this is my first time reading his young adult books and I was surprised that we still get the weird and surreal setting that is Florida for this book. It’s over the top the bad are really bad, the good are really good and the strange are just really strange, I like it. I love how his world is a bit twisted and out of focus and makes for such a lush playground for the story to play out in. This is familiar territory for Hiaasen as he’s written so many book set in Florida and also dealt with the environment and corrupt politicians and business in his other books that this world felt familiar yetfresh cause of the younger angle.
Story: The story is paced really well with wonderful dialog and chemistry between the characters. This is a typical Hiaasen book and all the pieces of his books are here: the quirky hero, the snippy female character, the grunt that seems bad but really isn’t all that bad, the odd law enforcement officer, the bad business owner, a natural environment or animal that is endangered. All the pieces are here and the story plays out the way a Hiaasen book plays out but this time through the eyes of a child and it makes for fun in a different sort of way. The humour is still there but it’s PG and the banter is fun but it’s not vulgar and that is a good thing (I love his adult books also). There is even a Skink character in the book! Love it.
Characters: Roy is a wonderful character, he is nerdy, quiet and also a typical kid that is very relatable, his journey and arc was wonderfully done and the emotions were earned and realistic. Beatrice is also done well with her and his brother offering both warm friendship and also funny banter and over the top nuttiness, this trio was well written. The characters of Hiaasen books are always over the top and there is some here, but it seems like this time they are a bit more muted, they are a bit more simple and ideas and archetypes and given that this book is for children it makes sense. The message is the main story and these characters are great vehicles for the wonderful message of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very Hiaasen and it’s very children but I love it to bits.
Onward to the next book!
World: I love Hiassen and this is my first time reading his young adult books and I was surprised that we still get the weird and surreal setting that is Florida for this book. It’s over the top the bad are really bad, the good are really good and the strange are just really strange, I like it. I love how his world is a bit twisted and out of focus and makes for such a lush playground for the story to play out in. This is familiar territory for Hiaasen as he’s written so many book set in Florida and also dealt with the environment and corrupt politicians and business in his other books that this world felt familiar yetfresh cause of the younger angle.
Story: The story is paced really well with wonderful dialog and chemistry between the characters. This is a typical Hiaasen book and all the pieces of his books are here: the quirky hero, the snippy female character, the grunt that seems bad but really isn’t all that bad, the odd law enforcement officer, the bad business owner, a natural environment or animal that is endangered. All the pieces are here and the story plays out the way a Hiaasen book plays out but this time through the eyes of a child and it makes for fun in a different sort of way. The humour is still there but it’s PG and the banter is fun but it’s not vulgar and that is a good thing (I love his adult books also). There is even a Skink character in the book! Love it.
Characters: Roy is a wonderful character, he is nerdy, quiet and also a typical kid that is very relatable, his journey and arc was wonderfully done and the emotions were earned and realistic. Beatrice is also done well with her and his brother offering both warm friendship and also funny banter and over the top nuttiness, this trio was well written. The characters of Hiaasen books are always over the top and there is some here, but it seems like this time they are a bit more muted, they are a bit more simple and ideas and archetypes and given that this book is for children it makes sense. The message is the main story and these characters are great vehicles for the wonderful message of the book.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s very Hiaasen and it’s very children but I love it to bits.
Onward to the next book!
January 7, 2023
I read Hoot to my kids when it first came out and they were young. I reread it again and it is simply a brilliant young adult novel. I have been a fan of Carl Hiassen's adult novels since Tourist Season came out, but I didn't understand what a fantastic storyteller he is until I read Hoot again. It is a story written ABOUT teens/young adults, not FOR that age group. Which means adults can read it and enjoy it as well. I read a young adult novel by another writer I like, and it was exactly the opposite. Hoot is the pinnacle in my humble opinion. So...give a hoot and don't eat Mother Paula's pancakes!
April 5, 2017
I found the book entertaining, but due to the genre it just wasn't an amazing book. I found it tolerable and one of the best realistic fiction books I have read, but it is still realistic fiction.
October 4, 2024
This was a quick read about a bunch of kids saving an endangered owl.
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