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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overview
Hoot is a brilliantly crafted middle-grade novel that combines mystery, humor, and environmental awareness in a way that captivates readers of all ages. Carl Hiaasen, known for his witty and engaging storytelling, introduces us to Roy Eberhardt, a young boy who moves to Coconut Cove, Florida, and stumbles upon a mysterious barefoot boy running through town. This seemingly small mystery unfolds into a much larger story involving endangered burrowing owls, corporate greed, and a daring plan to protect the wildlife that calls the area home.
With its fast-paced plot, lovable characters, and an important message about standing up for what’s right, Hoot is both an entertaining read and a thought-provoking call to action for young environmentalists.
What Makes Hoot Special
✅ A Story Full of Adventure & Mystery
From the first page, Hoot draws readers into an exciting mystery filled with unexpected twists. Roy’s curiosity about the running boy leads him into an adventure bigger than he ever imagined. The way the story weaves together a seemingly small mystery with a larger environmental movement makes for a thrilling read.
✅ Lovable & Memorable Characters
Roy Eberhardt – A relatable and thoughtful protagonist, Roy grows from an outsider trying to fit in to a confident young activist who stands up for what he believes in.- Mullet Fingers – The elusive, nature-loving boy at the heart of the story, whose dedication to protecting the owls inspires Roy to take action.
- Beatrice Leep – Strong-willed and fearless, Beatrice is both a protector and an ally to Roy as they work together to save the owls.
- Officer Delinko – A well-meaning but bumbling police officer whose attempts to solve the construction site sabotage add humor and intrigue.
- Dana Matherson – The school bully who provides obstacles for Roy but also moments of comedic relief.
✅ Humor & Heart in Every Chapter
Hiaasen’s writing is packed with humor, making Hoot an enjoyable read that balances adventure with laugh-out-loud moments. From fake fart pranks to alligator-filled toilets, the book keeps readers entertained while also delivering meaningful themes about friendship, perseverance, and justice.
✅ A Powerful Message About Environmentalism
At its core, Hoot is about taking a stand for what’s right. The battle between a pancake house corporation and a group of kids trying to protect a species of burrowing owls serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest voices can make a difference. The novel encourages young readers to be aware of their environment and shows that courage and determination can lead to real change.
✅ A Timeless & Inspiring Read
Despite being written in the early 2000s, Hoot remains as relevant today as it was when it first won the Newbery Honor in 2003. The themes of conservation, standing up against corruption, and forming unlikely friendships make it a book that resonates with new generations of readers.
Final Thoughts
Hoot is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves adventure, humor, and a meaningful story. With its unique blend of mystery, comedy, and activism, this book is not only fun but also inspiring. It’s a reminder that anyone—no matter how young—can stand up for what’s right and make a real impact.
⭐ Rating: 5/5
📖 Perfect for readers who enjoy:
✔️ Exciting mysteries with lovable characters (Holes, The Westing Game)
✔️ Stories that blend humor with important themes
✔️ Books about kids making a difference
✔️ Environmental and wildlife conservation themes
This book is more than just a great read—it’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Hoot is proof that sometimes, the smallest creatures deserve the biggest fights. 🦉💛
HIGHLY recommend this book. Specifically, the audio version read by Chad Lowe. We are all loving it, Mark included. :)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I stopped so long ago, I just needed to remove it at this point
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Given the choice, I would have given this book a 3.5, or a 7 out of 10 stars. I did like the plot and it definitely gave you some perspective about the smaller creatures that live around us, but it was not my favorite book. It was sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and very realistic. My only problem with it was that it didn't grab my attention. I still definitely recommend it.
This is a cute read, I would definitely recommend it to any young-middle or elementary age kids that I know. It's kind of boring at this point, just because of the basic writing style and simple plotline, but it was still fun.
I have read a few of Hiaasen's adult novels and found them entertaining, but I definitely enjoyed this young adult novel more! I like Hiaasen's writing style and wit. This is a great book for middle readers and I can see why his novels are so popular with them.
It starts of a bit dull, but gradully gets better. About a boy trying to save owls. A loving battle of friendship, new ones made, old ones rekindled.