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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
This is a fun read for the environmentally minded. It has a young adult reading level, but I have heard that Hiaasen also writes some similar adult books. I plan to read more of his work.
Like Hiaasen's other books for youth, there are some unsavory deeds being done by uncaring meanies in the wilds of Florida. This book concerns Nick, Marta, & their crazy biology teacher, who goes missing on a field trip into the swamp. Missing teacher Bunny Starch was last seen trooping back into an apparent wildfire to snag a student's lost inhaler. Initially, the fire and disappearance seem to hang on juvenile delinquent Smoke, whose name indicates his past tendencies to set fire to things. But as Nick and Marta investigate, there seems to be more at stake than a little fire & a missing woman. Like Hoot, Hiassen uses endangered species as a vehicle for the mystery. The greed of developers again puts Floridian settings and people at risk as they attempt to make a quick buck off the rapidly spoiling natural wetlands. As usual, Hiassen expertly weaves young people's lives into the sordid doings of adults to create a story that reveals the impact of human dealings on the natural world and on each other.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This not the book to read after you have read a fast pace book. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the book. The whole story is fun and the author builds each person in the story. You know everyone and have feeling about them. The author hits all the hot topics in the book. Save everything and never go to war. I will read more of his books.
The third of Hiaasen's books for young readers is much like the first, and, perhaps more like many of his adult novels, featuring a cast of intrepid, young students with a strong emphasis on environmental protection. When their severe and much maligned biology teacher, Bunny Starch, goes missing after a thwarted field trip to the Black Pine Swamp, Nick and Marta decide to investigate for themselves, convinced that their classmate, Duane Scrod, Jr., aka Smoke, may be involved in some way. What ensues is an eco-mystery-adventure that touches on themes of family, friendship, greed and corruption, and the value of a teacher with rigorous academic values. The mystery isn't much of a mystery, easily worked out by the reader and the characters, but you care to see the novel through to its predictable end. The writing struck me as more trademark adult Hiaasen than his previous two young adult books, infusing his humor and adult characters whose environmental activism borders more on eco-terrorism than tree hugging, peaceful protests. I like this because it causes the reader to question how far your principles can or should take you in the name of a cause you strongly believe in, especially if it means you also break the law. Fans of Hoot or Flush, will like Scat.
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love Hiassen's books! His characters are always amusing :)
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
great book from my childhood!!! found it for a $1 at a thrift store and had to bring it home. love how it brings up environmentally important conversations at a level for younger kids to learn through