*Read as a read aloud to my son so rating is based primarily on the opinion of a six year old.*

I read this with my oldest tiny person, and it has now become his absolute favorite book ever. Although it pains me a little that Hoot has replaced Matilda in the top spot, I must admit that this was the perfect story for my son.

Hoot is set in a small town in Florida. It's about being the new kid, making new friends, dealing with a school bully, having environmental concerns, and how just one person can stand up and change people's minds.

There is comedy in the book, including some minor potty humor (the main character's friend loves making "fart-noises"). There are also glimpses into what wouldn't be considered good home environments, and the struggle between doing what you're told is right and what feels right to you. It never gets overly emotional, but there are parts that made me miss the excitement of being a kid and riding my bike to new places to explore. Hoot was truly a wonderful book, and at just under 300 pages, it's the longest chapter book the boy and I have tackled so far.

His favorite characters:

Roy - The main character and the new kid at Trace Middle School.

Mullet Fingers - The shoeless running boy who adds a lot of mystery and intrigue to the book.

Dana Matherson - The bully (mostly just because he liked to laugh every time Dana tried to beat up Roy and failed).

His favorite parts:

When Mullet Fingers paints the windows of Officer Delinko's patrol car.

When Roy tricks Dana into getting caught at the construction site.

When all of the kids hold hands around Mullet Fingers and the owl burrow to protect them from destruction.

Things, as a parent, that I wish were different:

Beatrice the Bear, who becomes friends with Roy eventually, is the only female child with a role in the book. Roy's mother is great, but the female principal, and the mothers of Dana Matherson and Mullet Fingers (as well as the step-mother to Beatrice) are all terrible. I would have liked to see more positive female characters in the book. However, I did like that Beatrice wasn't portrayed as a potential girlfriend interest and she had her own diverse interests and emotions. Throughout the book, Beatrice is shown as intimidating and strong, but there is a scene near the end in Roy's room that shows her vulnerable side too, which prevented her from being a one-dimensional character.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this with my little one, and I would recommend it to others as a read aloud or for a middle-grade level read alone. It's a perfect summer read for kids on break to inspire them to explore their own neighborhoods.

... I just hope there isn't a Mother Paula's coming to your town.

It's no wonder that many people like #Hoot and the reviews on Goodreads are mostly positive. Animal lovers will surely be captivated by this book.

Hoot kicks off when Roy Eberhardt catches sight of a barefoot boy sprinting past the bus stop. Roy is intrigued as the boy doesn't attend any school. Through Beatrice, a tall girl who plays soccer, Roy gets to know about the boy, known as Mullet Fingers. He is an animal charmer with a plan to prank Mother's Paula pancake people out of town. Apparently, the building site poses a threat to the cute owls that live underground.

It must be nice to be Roy, despite having to move frequently due to Mr Eberhardt's job. While it's inconvenient to be the new kid multiple times, Roy has seen a lot of the world. Mullet Fingers is astonishing and always comes up with excellent ideas. It's sad that he is homeless, but perhaps he just desires the freedom to do what he wants and believes in.

I appreciate the expressions Hiaasen uses. That's how people talk in real life. The English is nonformal, different from what is usually found in school textbooks. If you're curious, just read it. #Chomp and #Flush also have rich vocabularies.

On my last review, I mentioned that it was the fastest book I had ever read. However, this one now truly takes the cake!

It only took me about 2 days to finish reading this book because it is written in such an easy and accessible style.

As I was reading, it felt like I was watching a movie unfold before my eyes. Although the story is relatively simple and somewhat predictable, there were still moments when I wasn't entirely sure how the events would play out.

I found myself completely immersed in Roy's life and the dynamics of his friend group. It is a heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of bravery and standing up for what you truly care about, especially for those who may not have a voice.

Overall, I believe that this is a charming middle school book that is definitely worth the read. It offers valuable lessons and an engaging storyline that will keep readers entertained from start to finish.

I have a deep and abiding love for owls. They are such fascinating and mysterious creatures. Their silent flight and wise appearance have always captured my imagination.

I also have a passion for direct action. When I see something that I believe is wrong, I feel the need to take immediate steps to make a change. This could involve anything from protesting against a harmful development project to speaking out against injustice.

However, I have a strong hatred for developers. I believe that their actions often have a negative impact on the environment and the natural world. They seem to be more concerned with making a profit than with protecting the planet.

And let's not forget my intense dislike for cops. I feel that they are often too quick to use force and are not always fair in their treatment of people. This has led to many unjust situations and has made me lose faith in the system.

All of these feelings and beliefs will be explored in another read aloud book for my elementary classroom. I hope that by sharing my thoughts and experiences with my students, I can inspire them to think critically about the world around them and to take action to make a positive difference.

Finally, it's over. It was endless

This book is truly extraordinarily okay.

It bombards you with an overwhelming sense of okayness. The characters? They are okay. They don't stand out in any remarkable way, but they also don't disappoint.

The plot? It's okay too. It moves along at a steady pace, neither thrilling nor dull.

The humor? Just okay. It may elicit a few smiles here and there, but it's nothing to write home about.

The writing? A-okay. It's competent and gets the job done, but it lacks that certain sparkle that would make it truly great.

Hiassen is masterful in his ability to stay firmly in the realm of okay. He never strays into the territory of good, nor does he dip into the abyss of bad. It's a remarkable tour-de-force of okayness.

If your goal is to write a book that is just okay enough to keep the reader engaged, but not so good that they actually start to develop a deep affection for it, then this is the book for you. It couldn't have been more okay if it tried.

Would I recommend it? Meh. There's nothing particularly wrong with it, but there's also nothing that makes it stand out.

Would I warn you off of it? Meh. It's not a bad book by any means, it's just okay.

Do you see the level of ambivalence this okay book inspires? Its okayosity is off the charts. I liked it a perfectly okay amount.

What else can I say? I'm actually quite surprised that I've said this much. If you're in the market for a book that is all kinds of okay, then look no further. This is the book for you. It won't disappoint you, but it also won't set your world on fire. You'll barely notice that you're reading it, and you may not even realize when it's over.

It's okay.

Meh. That's not a descriptor I use very often in a book review, but it seems to fit here.

The writing is lucid, and the characters are reasonably interesting. However, there's nothing special about it. In my view, it's a fairly average juvenile book about a rather overdone subject.

The story goes like this: an evil national corporation plans to build a new franchise right on top of the nesting spot of some poor, hapless, endangered - and, not coincidentally, cute - owls. Plucky junior high students fight to stop them.

Yeah, I've heard this one before. It seems to be the theme of nearly every Saturday morning cartoon these days (although I suppose it's usually superheroes or fairies or something acting as the protagonists rather than 12-year-olds).

So, as I said, it's a decent and reasonably engaging treatment of the subject. And yes, it's at least a bit more nuanced than the typical Saturday cartoon. But it doesn't seem to be worth all the hoopla and the Newberry award.

Perhaps I'm being too harsh, but I expected more from a book that has received such acclaim.

This book is truly great for those individuals who have a penchant for a blend of mystery and menace.

It offers an exciting narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also having a soft spot for the underdogs to come out victorious.

The story unfolds when a young man decides to take it upon himself to safeguard an endangered owl habitat. His actions, however, have a domino effect on the entire community, leading to a series of hilarious and unexpected events.

It is suitable for a wide range of ages, from 8-year-olds to adults. In fact, adults like me, who enjoy devouring a few books in a day or two to quickly progress to the next remarkable piece of writing, will find this book to be a real treat.

It combines elements of mystery, humor, and a heartwarming tale of an underdog's fight, making it a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and entertaining story.

I truly love this book.

It is an absolute gem for all those environment-crazy people like me.

The moment I picked it up, I was immediately drawn in by its engaging content and unique perspective.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the importance of the environment in a way that is both informative and entertaining.

Every page is filled with fascinating facts, practical tips, and inspiring stories that make me want to take action and make a difference.

This book has not only deepened my understanding of environmental issues but also motivated me to become more active in protecting our planet.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about the environment or simply wants to learn more about how they can make a positive impact.

It is a must-read for all those who care about the future of our world.

I've been delving into Hiaasen's middle-grade novels throughout this year.

This particular one might be a touch more popular due to the movie adaptation.

I truly enjoyed it (and those irresistibly cute burrowing owls), yet I firmly believe Chomp is my favorite thus far.

This review was initially shared on Lazy Day Literature.

Roy Eberheart relocates to Coconut Cove, Florida from Montana and has his very first encounter with the local bully, Dana, on the bus. With his face firmly pressed against the window, he catches sight of the shoeless, running boy for the very first time as well. His curiosity overpowers him, and he sets out in search of the strange boy. However, the boy's step-sister, Beatrice, endeavors to keep him a secret. The running boy desires not to be discovered and remains unnamed. Well, almost.

Meanwhile, the future site of a Mother Paula's Pancake House keeps getting vandalized. Roy becomes embroiled in a secret plot to safeguard some adorable burrowing owls inhabiting the land slated for development and makes some friends along the way.

This is the third novel for young readers that I've perused of Hiaasen's. While this one was adapted into a movie and enjoys a certain degree of popularity, it's perhaps my least favorite among the three thus far. This was his debut in children's literature, and although it was enjoyable and conveyed a great message about saving endangered and threatened wildlife, it felt a bit lacking in excitement. Chomp and Flush boasted much more humor and quirkier characters. I would recommend them over this one for the 'authentic Florida' and wildlife aspect. Nevertheless, this Hoot was still a wonderful story.

All the stars are awarded for writing about genuine environmental issues, as well as the rampant greed and corruption that afflict this beautiful state, and doing so in a manner that captivates the youth!

This past week, I made the choice to re-read Hoot.

I vividly remember reading it during my Middle School days. I was so captivated by it that I didn't hesitate to buy the book.

Even though it is a relatively quick read, the topic it delves into holds great significance for me.

The story of three kids striving to save the nests of an endangered species from being demolished by a pancake corporation truly stirs my desire to contribute and assist.

This narrative heightens my awareness of the environment and prompts me to question how many real-life scenarios similar to this have taken place without anyone's knowledge.

I firmly believe that it is of utmost importance to make a difference and have the courage to stand up for what one believes in.

By reading Hoot again, I am reminded of the power of individual action and the importance of protecting our natural world.

It serves as a reminder that each of us has a role to play in safeguarding the environment and the species that inhabit it.

I am inspired to take steps, no matter how small, to make a positive impact and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

I truly had a great fondness for this book.

I read it for the first time last year and was so enamored with it that I decided to read it again.

Surprisingly, upon the second reading, I found that my affection for it remained exactly the same.

The story within its pages had such a captivating charm that it drew me in once more.

Each time I turned the page, I was immersed in the wonderful world created by the author.

The characters were vivid and the plot was engaging, making it a truly enjoyable read.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story.

It is one that I know I will continue to cherish and revisit in the future.