Hoot

Hiaasen, Carl. (2002) New York: Alfred A Knopf. 0-375-82916-4

PLOT SUMMARY

Three unlikely friends--a wimpy new kid, a girl jock, and her elusive stepbrother--are on a mission to stop the construction of a new pancake house in order to save the burrowing owl.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Chapters might be a little long for the younger tweens, but with such colorful characters embarking on such an admirable mission, it is enough to hold the attention of the older tweens. The conflict between the bully and the main character, as well as the conflicts between the three friends create a tension with which tweens can identify.

READER'S ANNOTATION

When new kid Roy moves to Coconut Cove, he reluctantly befriends girl jock Beatrice and her quirky runaway stepbrother. Little does he know they have a secret that they must tell others in order to protect it, and with time being a factor, they must do it before it's too late.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carl Hiaasen was born and raised in Florida. He is a journalist who began writing novels in the early eighties and Hoot is his first book for teens.

GENRE

Mystery/Adventure

CURRICULUM TIES

Sometimes companies do things that may not be legal in order to get things done. Discuss the importance of "policing by the people." How should citizens get involved? How can they make a difference in public policies?

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

What other things could the friends have done to stop the construction, aside from vandalising the construction site and property? What negative consequences should they suffer for their "illegal" activities? Explain why/if society should forgive these sorts of activities when there is a "good cause" involved.

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

13 and over

CHALLENGE ISSUES

The illegal activities of the kids

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

While this book is geared more toward older teens, I liked the strength of the characters, especially ninety pound Roy who is courageous enough to befriend Beatrice even though she might have knocked him out during their first meeting. The fact that he broke the nose of his archnemesis, and is still brave enough to continue taking the bus, makes him a hero to me.