Great Book!!! Hoot by Carl Hiaasen is a hoot of a read for young folks. Roy Eberhardt, a middle schooler who’s new to his Florida town, is smart and funny and big-hearted, and he doesn’t yet have a single friend around who knows it. Dana Matherson, a huge bully who stinks of cigarettes, torments him on the bus daily. Life seems pretty bleak for Roy, who misses the fishing and mountains of the Montana he’s just left. One morning, while Dana is holding his head against the window of the school bus, Roy spots a running boy. The boy introduces the mystery at the heart of this novel. Roy is compelled to find out why the boy is running, and follows him right into his fight to protect an endangered settlement of burrowing owls. Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House is planning to fill in the owls’ habitat and build another restaurant as part of their national chain. The Mother Paula’s people will stop at nothing to get their store built, and the owls’ protector isn’t afraid to keep going forward with audacious and funny actions that hold up the construction. The story operates on many levels, with strong doses of humor and realism. The beauty of the Florida Everglades and the species living there are emphasized, as well as the fact that in present-day Florida the natural, wild places are disappearing at an alarming rate. In the classic tradition of young people’s fiction, most of the roles played by adults range from hapless to ignorant to cruel. While Roy does keep some secrets from his parents, their relationship is full of love and respect. Ultimately, they help Ray in choosing to protect his new environment. His adventure brings him the experience of a lifetime, along with the friendships he needs. Hoot is ideal reading for elementary and middle school students (recommended for ages 10-15). Readers will find a believable and compelling hero in Roy Eberhardt, and will cheer for him throughout the story.Read full review
A new boy moves to town and meets new people. He has a hard time at first making friends but soon he bonds with an unlikely pair. They get into trouble because they want to protect some baby owls. The story is intimate and the author seems like he's speaking to the reader. It is a great book to read aloud although it will take some time. Kids enjoy reading it too--to themselves as much as hearing it read. It goes quickly but makes a strong impact.
carl hiaasen is my favorite author. these books for young people are great, but his books for adults are even better
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I didn't realize that it was a young book,but I loved it and sent it to my grandson.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Shipping was extremely fast. Happy with ny purchase
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Audiobooks
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Audiobooks