Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen

Bibliographic Data
Hiaasen, Carl. 2002. Hoot. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-375-82181-3

Summary
Middle-schooler Roy Eberhardt is miserable over his recent move from Montana to Florida, until a mysterious boy catches his attention. Between standing up to the local bully, making friends with the toughest girl in school, figuring out who the mystery boy is, and helping to save the home of some adorable burrowing owls, Roy discovers that Florida isn’t so bad after all.

Critical Analysis
From the first page, this is a funny, fast moving novel that will appeal to both boys and girls in a variety of ages. For the most part, Roy is a realistically drawn character, not popular, but not completely an outcast (though he feels that way at times). He has an "everyman" persona that most students will be able to relate to. His friends are also multifaceted, not merely the athletic girl or the skateboarding dunce.

The only parts that don’t quite ring true are those that involve the class bully, Dana, and the mysterious boy, Mullet Fingers. No teacher or bus driver ever sees Dana’s harassment of Roy, even when the actions take place in full view. Roy, for that matter, doesn’t seem very concerned, and take every opportunity to torment Dana. While Dana serves as sort of a comic relief, Mullet Fingers’ role is quite different. He is obviously homeless, yet this word is never used, and negativity is not implied. Instead, his life is seen as an adventure, and rarely does he experience the hardships that would certainly befall a boy in his situation. Roy misses scenic Montana, but Mullet Fingers helps him appreciate the natural beauty of Florida. He is a fantastical figure that has a higher calling.

Though the novel is humorous, it deals with the serious subject that progress has on our environment. Roy and his friends aren’t old enough to vote, and don’t have money to support special interest groups. Instead, they do research to ensure they are well-informed, they spread the word, and they take action for the things they believe in. Children can feel very helpless at times, such as in the case of Roy, whose family has moved many times, and never by his choice. This novel is inspiring, in that it teaches children that they do have choices -- in how they react to what a bully does, how they protect their surroundings, and how they choose to make the best of a situation.

Reviews
From School Library Journal:
“Packed with quirky characters and improbable plot twists, Hiaasen's first novel for young readers is entertaining but ultimately not very memorable. Fans of the author's adult novels will find trademark elements-including environmental destruction, corrupt politicians, humorous situations, and a Florida setting-all viewed through the eyes of a middle-school student. ” – Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library. Copyright 2002, Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Connections
The Walden Media Hoot website has activities and information for students and teachers at: http://www.walden.com/walden/teach/hoot/index.php One interesting activity is “To Build or Not To Build,” which asks students to research the feasibility of building a Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House in their own town, then report on findings in a letter to the company’s president. This activity touches on science, social studies and language arts objectives.

*****
Reviews found at the Carrollton Public Library website, http://cityofcarrollton.com/library/