Hoot by Carl Hiaasen

Book Summary
When Roy moves from Montana to Florida, he expects the usual attacks by bullies and loneliness in the cafeteria at lunch but he never counted on the running boy that he sees from the school bus. His curiosity gets the best of him as he follows the boy in an effort to learn more about him. He does learn about the boy and soon becomes friends with him and his sister. He also learns of the burrowing owls who are about to get buried by the construction of a new pancake house. Will Roy and his friends be able to stop the construction and save the owls?

My Thoughts
In a time when the state of our environment is a pressing issue, this story makes young adults aware of some of the problems that come along with land development. It also shows them that even students can make a big difference when they set their minds to it. This book presents an excellent environmentally proactive story that, while a little slow at times, is interesting to the reader. It also addresses the issues of bulling and being the new kid in town.

Library Usage
This is a great book to booktalk in the schools around Earth Day in April. It would also be a good introduction to a community service project or a trip to a bird sanctuary.

Journal Reviews
Publishers Weekly, May 17, 2004
"With a Florida setting and pro-environment, anti-development message, Hiaasen returns to familiar turf for his first novel for young readers. Several suspenseful scenes, along with dollops of humor, help make this quite a hoot indeed."

Booklist, October 15, 2002
" The story is full of offbeat humor, buffoonish yet charming supporting characters, and genuinely touching scenes of children enjoying the wildness of nature. He [Hiassen] deserves a warm welcome into children's publishing." --Bill Ott