I have never liked this book ever since I first read it in the 6th grade. Even now, my opinion remains the same.

The plot of the book fails to capture my interest. It lacks excitement and fails to engage me on an emotional level. As a result, I was only able to finish half of the book.

I found myself constantly losing focus and struggling to stay interested in the story. The characters seemed one-dimensional and the pacing was slow.

Perhaps if the plot had been more interesting and the characters more developed, I might have had a different opinion of the book. However, as it stands, I cannot recommend it to others.

In conclusion, my initial dislike for this book has only been reinforced over time. I will not be reading it again and will continue to search for other books that can capture my imagination and hold my attention from start to finish.

Laugh out loud and endearing little tale.

World: I have a deep love for Carl Hiassen, and this marks my first foray into reading his young adult books. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the book still presents the weird and surreal setting of Florida. In this world, the bad are truly awful, the good are extremely virtuous, and the strange are just outrageously odd. I thoroughly enjoy this aspect. I love how his world is a bit distorted and out of focus, creating a lush playground for the story to unfold. This is familiar territory for Hiassen, as he has written numerous books set in Florida and has dealt with environmental issues, corrupt politicians, and businesses in his other works. However, this world feels both familiar and fresh due to the younger perspective.

Story: The story is paced extremely well, with wonderful dialogues and great chemistry between the characters. This is a typical Hiassen book, with all the elements that make his books so engaging: the quirky hero, the snippy female character, the grunt who seems bad but isn't really all that bad, the odd law enforcement officer, the bad business owner, and an endangered natural environment or animal. All these elements are present, and the story unfolds in the way a Hiassen book typically does, but this time through the eyes of a child, which makes it fun in a different way. The humor is still there, but it's PG-rated, and the banter is enjoyable without being vulgar, which is a great thing. There's even a Skink character in the book! I love it.

Characters: Roy is a wonderful character. He is nerdy, quiet, and yet a typical kid that readers can easily relate to. His journey and character arc are beautifully crafted, with emotions that feel earned and realistic. Beatrice is also well-developed, along with her and Roy's brother, offering both warm friendship and funny banter, as well as over-the-top nuttiness. This trio is written very well. The characters in Hiassen's books are always a bit over the top, and there are some here as well, but this time they seem a bit more toned down, a bit more simple in their ideas and archetypes. Given that this book is for children, this makes perfect sense. The message is the main focus of the story, and these characters are excellent vehicles for delivering the wonderful message of the book.

I really enjoyed this book. It's very much a Hiassen book, and yet it's also very much for children. I love it to bits. Onward to the next book!

Not enjoyable at all. The pace is slow and plodding, making it a rather tiresome read. I read this book together with my 4th grade daughter as it was assigned to a small reading group at her school. However, my daughter did not like the book one bit.

Personally, I felt that some of the language and scenarios presented in the book were far too mature for a 4th grader. There are elements such as domestic violence, guns, mean pranks, bullying, and even cussing. It seems that the author perpetuated a lot of poor stereotypes.

I guess he might have thought it was okay, perhaps because he was trying to convey a pro-environmental, anti-business, "public service" message. But in my opinion, this does not justify exposing young children to such inappropriate content. It is important to consider the age and vulnerability of the readers when creating literature for them.

2.5 stars.

The message conveyed in this work is truly beautiful. It has the power to touch the hearts of the readers and make them reflect on certain aspects of life. The story, overall, was fairly enjoyable. It had its moments that kept the readers engaged and interested in finding out what would happen next.

However, there were some drawbacks. The chapters that focused on the police officer and the land foreman were extremely boring. They seemed to drag on and on, lacking the excitement and energy that the other parts of the story had. It was a bit of a letdown and made it a bit of a struggle to get through those sections.

On the positive side, the characters of Roy, the shoeless kid, and Beatrice were really lovable. They were well-developed and had their own unique personalities that made them stand out. The readers couldn't help but root for them and hope that they would succeed in their endeavors. Their relationships with each other added an extra layer of depth to the story and made it even more engaging.

(re)Read as part of my ongoing shelf audit. Verdict: A charming book for younger readers, one of which I no longer am. I feel that I had recalled this book as having a greater focus on the owls than it actually does. In reality, it is mainly a story about a boy who, after moving, discovers a place and a way in which he belongs. The owls just happen to be the catalyst for that. It is more about Roy developing friendships and defining himself than it is about protecting the owls. And that's okay, but I guess in my mind I had morphed it into the MG version of The Monkey Wrench Gang, which it truly isn't. (Although it does sort of end up approving of a bit of mild ecoterrorism for kids, as long as they've done their homework first.) The fact that I remembered it as a stronger plea for ecological justice is, at least to me, a positive aspect. I was likely predisposed to take away that kind of message anyway, but hey, if it inspires other young people to care about conservation, all the better!

I did not have many expectations going into this work, and it met those expectations. For better or worse, it might have been the least objectionable book I've read in a long time. I was vaguely aware of Carl Hiaasen and knew he typically showcased Florida in all its wacky glory. As a long-time resident of the Sunshine State, I thought I might as well give him a chance. If this book is any indication, then it gets a perfunctory shoulder shrug. It's not a bad read; it has decent enough characters and a quick pace, but it's largely forgettable.

The story starts as a mystery. Montana transplant Roy Eberhardt has recently moved to Florida and is adjusting to the climate and culture of his new home. In his short life, he has moved several times and is numb to the rigmarole that comes with it. He's resigned to being bullied and is content to let it happen as long as it's quick. He meets Dana Matherson, the neighborhood bully who is more of a comedic foil than a menacing figure. During this initial encounter on the bus, as he's getting mashed against the window, he notices a boy of similar age sprinting barefoot across the road.
This desire to discover the origins of this mysterious boy leads him on many adventures that will culminate in an act of defiance. We're introduced to many unique characters, such as the bumbling cop David Delinko, the irascible foreman Leroy Branitt, soccer star Beatrice Leep, and the aforementioned sprinter known as "Mullet Fingers." Hiassen demonstrates his keen eye in his description of various ecological biomes. In his protagonist Roy, Hiassen is trying to convince the reader that it's important to keep Florida weird and wild. He does a commendable job of showing the unique dichotomy of Florida: the all-consuming desire of people to develop any available land despite the largely inhospitable environment, such as swamps.
Overall, if you're looking for a milquetoast coming-of-age story, then this book is for you. Although topics like bullying and abuse are alluded to, they're largely in the background. The greatest attribute of this work is also its greatest fault; it's so very innocent. It's heartening that there are quality works like this for an age group (9 - 12 years old) that is largely neglected. Unfortunately, if you're older than this age group or are more mature, then this work may seem a bit juvenile.

It's a book that has its charms but may not have the depth or complexity to appeal to a wider audience. However, for its intended age group, it can provide an entertaining and somewhat educational read about the unique state of Florida.

It's a story that shows the importance of standing up for what you believe in and the beauty of the natural world, even in the face of development and change.

While it may not be a literary masterpiece, it does have its place in the world of children's literature.

This was a quick read that told an interesting story.

It was about a group of kids who decided to take action to save an endangered owl.

The kids noticed that the owl's habitat was being destroyed and its population was decreasing.

They felt a sense of responsibility and came up with a plan.

They started by learning as much as they could about the owl and its needs.

Then, they worked together to create a safe space for the owl in their community.

They planted trees and built nests to provide the owl with a suitable living environment.

The kids also raised awareness among their classmates and neighbors about the importance of protecting endangered species.

Thanks to their efforts, the owl's population began to increase, and the kids felt a great sense of achievement.

This story shows that even kids can make a big difference when they work together towards a common goal.

I read Hoot to my kids when it was first released and they were still young. Recently, I reread it and was once again amazed by what a brilliant young adult novel it is. I have been a fan of Carl Hiassen's adult novels ever since Tourist Season came out. However, it wasn't until I read Hoot again that I truly understood what a fantastic storyteller he is. This story is written ABOUT teens/young adults, not specifically FOR that age group. This means that adults can also read and enjoy it. I recently read a young adult novel by another writer I like, but it was the complete opposite. In my humble opinion, Hoot is the pinnacle. So, give a hoot and don't eat Mother Paula's pancakes!

The protagonist of the novel is Roy Eberhardt, a twelve-year-old who finds himself with very little enthusiasm to face his umpteenth transfer. To this is added a bully from his new school who does nothing but give him torment both on the bus on the way to school and at school itself.

However, it will be on one of these occasions on the bus that he will see a boy of approximately his age running without shoes and with a superhuman speed, which will leave him so amazed and curious that he will be led to try to track him down or even chase him in the following days.

From then on, Roy will be involved in a truly singular adventure and will be faced with a truth that will make him a worthy little hero.

I absolutely adored this novel. Okay, I admit that I saw the film first because Roy is played by Logan Lerman (not knowing the existence of the book), but I still adored the film and the same can be said of the novel from which it was inspired.

Ps: it should also be noted how few the differences were and how faithful they were to the plot.

What the novel contains, however, is a multiple chain of fundamental themes and teachings.

There is the positive value of family (Roy's) and on the opposite side the negative one (Beatrice's, the stepbrother's and Dana's).

Obviously, the theme of friendship (another extremely essential point) and bullying (a very, very bad thing) are also present, but above all, the one that we humans often forget emerges, namely our lack of respect for nature.

Very often we forget that nature itself is the natural home of animals and we uproot trees, build buildings, pollute the sea without even asking ourselves if in those same trees there lived a family of little birds or what influence and impact our progress has on them.

The book serves first and foremost to make us think about this and have more courtesy and respect for the environment.

Apart from this, I must say that I adored the character of Roy to an immeasurable extent. I happily noted that in some character traits and his sarcasm he inevitably reminded me of that of the precious demigod Percy Jackson, so it would have been impossible for me not to adore him.

The last point is that I particularly like and promote these seemingly simple novels because they are the ones that contain the ideals and messages necessary to make us understand and appreciate the truly important values of life.

I can only give it five stars.

I read this story when it initially came out and vividly remember having a profound love for it then.

Upon reading it a second time and meticulously combing through it for its deeper meaning to share with my students, the experience was truly enjoyable!

The memories of reading this for the very first time when I was in middle school myself came rushing back in a flood.

I wholeheartedly hope that my kids will develop as great a love for this story as I did at their age!

This story holds a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to see how it impacts the minds and hearts of my students.

It's like a precious gem that keeps shining brighter with each reading and exploration.

I believe that it has the power to inspire and touch the souls of those who encounter it.

May it bring joy, wisdom, and a sense of wonder to my students, just as it did for me all those years ago.

Reader thoughts:

I found the writing to be somewhat acceptable, but the research was truly lamentable. Let's take a closer look at some of the issues.

1. Construction sites: After vandalism or mischief, a construction site would typically hire 24/7 security. I know this from personal experience as my husband used to work as a security guard for construction sites. They wouldn't just rely on the local police to keep an eye on the place. Additionally, the first step should be tilling the land to get rid of all owl burrows, not waiting until after staking out the area. Also, if the crew has the necessary equipment, there's no reason to keep waiting. In the book, they constantly delay until "tomorrow" or "Monday morning" instead of just getting the job done. Many construction crews work in the evening or night, especially if they're behind schedule.

2. Emergency Departments: ERs have locked doors between the waiting room and the rest of the ER. My husband currently works at an ER, so I know this for a fact. Parents can't simply push past the nurse to reach their child. If someone manages to push past the magnetic lock, an alarm immediately sounds. Moreover, doctors don't get 25-minute breaks, especially if they have only one patient. The only reason parents wouldn't be allowed to see their child is if the doctor suspects neglect or abuse, in which case the police would be called. In fact, my husband says the police are always called when minors are brought in with dog bites. And there's no way a patient could sneak out of the ER without alerting the doctor, nurse, and everyone else.

3. Schools: If a kid is knocked out by a golf ball, the appropriate action is to call his parents, not send him to school and have the vice principal yell at him. Also, if he has bruises on his neck from being choked and he defended himself by breaking the larger kid's nose, he shouldn't be suspended, even just from the bus. I work at a school and I know this wouldn't happen.

4. Burrowing owls: From what I've read, they are protected and do live in Florida. However, their burrows flood during the rainy season. Since the book mentions 8-12 inches of rain in 3 days, it's clearly the rainy season, so the owls are probably elsewhere at the moment. This is based on my internet research, not personal experience.

Overall, this book frustrated me. There are other issues as well.

The runaway boy: How can having a boy be a runaway be part of the conclusion? This is not good, regardless of how well he can take care of himself. I don't want this to be a kids' book if it promotes 12-year-olds running away.

The protest: Kids lined up in front of construction equipment for over an hour and nobody did anything? That seems highly unlikely. Later, we learn that the company was missing their EIS, but the kids didn't know this. They were just trying to protect the owls. But they are just owls! They will find a different place to live. Every building disrupts animal life to some extent. Was this really worth vandalism, poisonous snakes, and property damage? The missing EIS should have been the main point, not just the cuteness of the owls. You can't go around causing damage to equipment because you feel sorry for animals. You need to follow the law and find legal reasons why the company can't build there yet.

I care about animals and the environment, but I don't agree with the methods of the 12-year-olds in this book. I also don't think this book should be given to 12-year-olds to show them how to break the law and pretend it's a good thing because they were saving the homes of the owls.

Writer thoughts:

Sympathy is a complex emotion. I think this book made me feel more sympathetic towards the police officer and Curly than towards the runaway boy vandal. The terrible things that happened to Curly and the police officer outweighed anything they might have deserved, which is why my sympathy increased. As a result, readers may end up caring more for the antagonist than for the protagonist. I suppose this is why the protagonist works best as an underdog and has to be losing most of the battles until the end.

No, I never cared about Muck Chuckle, the vice president of the pancake company. He was the true antagonist, but he didn't appear until the end, so he wasn't as prominent as Curly and the officer.

Roy Eberhardt has just relocated to the small town of Coconut Cove in south Florida. His initial plan is to remain低调 and avoid making either friends or enemies. However, he soon becomes intrigued by a strange boy running near the road. This leads him to discover a construction site where workers are building a new pancake restaurant. To his dismay, he realizes that this construction will destroy the homes of owls and potentially trap them underground.

Roy teams up with his friend Beatrice, and they are determined to save these natural Floridian beauties. Sadly, the town does not support them in their noble cause.

I don't typically read middle-grade novels, but I found this one to be quite enjoyable. It is highly unrealistic, and at times, it can be a bit corny. But that's par for the course when it comes to middle-grade books. Unfortunately, I'm at an age where I have to endure a bit of sappiness and heavy-handed messaging to recapture the nostalgia of middle school.

Aside from the main issue of saving the owls, which I understood and empathized with, it felt like the author was simply checking off other issues from a list. Divorce? Check. Generational trauma? Check. Juvenile delinquency? Check. The list goes on and on. There's even a part about Roy's mother having a miscarriage when he was four years old. This was a little distressing for me to read, and I'm not sure it really served a purpose for the reader to know that.

Despite the fact that the book was a bit half-baked in some aspects, the storyline was exciting. It was clearly a plot-driven book, and I found myself eagerly anticipating what was going to happen next. If I were a little younger, I probably would have enjoyed this book even more. I think I would have loved it had I read it 3 or 4 years ago. Which is a bit of a sad feeling. Nevertheless, I'm going to bump it up to 3 stars.

This book is perfect for fans of Gordon Korman or the Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs.