Hoot

Title: Hoot
Author: Carl Hiaasen
ISBN: 9780440421702
Published: May 2004
Genre: fiction
Characters: Roy, Mullet Fingers, Beatrice, Officer Delinko
Reading Level: 4th grade
Interest Level: 4th-8th grade
Award: Newbery Honor book
Plot Summary: Roy is new to Florida and isn't too happy about having to Montana for his new home. Roy has fallen prey to the school bully but it's because of this bully that Roy discovers the running boy. One day while almost being strangled on the busy Roy sees a strange boy running barefoot alongside the bus. Roy has to know who this boy is and chases after him. Roy soon discovers that the boy, who calls himself Mullet Fingers is on a quest to save some owls. It seems that the new Mama's Pancake house site is home to burrowing owls. The pancake company doesn't seem to care about the owls but that doesn't stop Mullet Fingers from pulling pranks to stop the bulldozing of the property. But Roy isn't sure if he can keep Mullet Fingers secret especially when the police become involved. But how else can he save the owls?
Review: Hoot is funny and thought provoking. I enjoy Hiaasen's humour throughout the story. Who doesn't find a kid putting alligators in a port a potty funny? There is also the bumbling cop who despite his best efforts can't seem to catch the vandal. Roy is lucky to have supportive and loving parents, but Hiaasen shows how not every kid is as lucky. Hiaasen shows just how a kid's parents can influence their personality and impact their life. At the heart of the story is the owls. The book has a conservation message without being to preachy. You find yourself cheering for the owls and hoping that Roy and Mullet Fingers can save them. I think the story will help tweens become more environmental conscience and maybe see that they even though they are a kid they can still make a difference. But I appreciate that Hiaasen doesn't just have the kids do everything on their own. The owls are saved thanks to the help of some adults, like Roy's father. It shows kids that adults can be helpful.
Reader's Annotation: Roy isn't too thrilled about moving to Florida but soon he finds himself on a quest to save some owls from a pancake company.
Main Themes: environmentalism, friendship, bullying
Read Alikes: Holes by Louis Sachar
Why for Tweens? Roy is appealing to tweens because of his issues of dealing with bullying and moving. He is also passionate about saving the owls and shows how despite being young Roy is able to make a difference. Hiaasen's humour is also appealing to tweens. The juvenile pranks pulled by Mullet Fingers are not very dangerous but rather humorous.